“I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a manmade world.”
- June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968
- American
- Author, educator, human rights activist
- Although she lost her sight and hearing due to an illness in her childhood, she engaged in various social activities, such as supporting the visually and hearing impaired and promoting women’s rights.
Quote
“I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a manmade world.”
Explanation
In this quote, Helen Keller reflects on the nature of perception and happiness. She challenges the conventional idea that darkness is something to fear or lament, stating that what others call darkness is, to her, golden. Keller’s perspective on the world was shaped not by sight, but by a deeper connection to the natural world, which she viewed as divinely created rather than manmade. Her ability to find happiness and beauty in the world, despite being both deaf and blind, highlights the power of inner vision—the capacity to appreciate life through a lens of gratitude and spirituality, regardless of one’s physical limitations.
Keller, who never experienced the world through sight, found joy and meaning through her senses of touch and hearing, along with a deep spiritual understanding. She could feel the textures of nature, hear the sounds of life, and connect to the world on a deeper level that transcended the physical limitations of sight. For Keller, the world was a beautiful, God-made creation, and her ability to “see” it with her mind and heart gave her a profound sense of happiness. This quote highlights that happiness does not come from our physical senses alone but from the way we interpret and engage with the world around us.
In the context of modern life, Keller’s words encourage us to look beyond the superficial and manmade constructs of society—such as material wealth, status, and technology—and instead connect with the natural world and the spirituality that can enrich our lives. For those who may feel overwhelmed by the artificial distractions of today’s world, Keller’s insight offers a reminder that true happiness comes from embracing the gifts of nature, spiritual understanding, and the ability to find meaning in the world’s inherent beauty. Like Keller, we can find joy in what might seem dark or limited by choosing to see the world with a deeper, more grateful perspective.
