Singer-songwriter Neil Young has maintained a strong presence in Western culture
through music that, over many years, has conveyed a wide range of messages often
involving reflection and calls to action. One of his most recent songs, “Light a
Candle,” is an exceptional example of the poetry of his music to inspire to
action:
“Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle for where we’re goin’. There’s
something ahead worth looking for. When the light of time is on us, we will see
our moment come, and the living soul inside will carry on. It’s a chance to give
new meaning to every move we make through the caverns in the caves where we come
from.
“When the light of dawn is on us, we will see what we can be and the ancient
ones will sleep an easy sleep. In the hallways of the ages, on the road to
history, what we do now will always be with us. It’s a chance to give new
meaning to every move we make through the caverns in the caves where we come
from.
“Light a candle in the darkness so others might see ahead. Light a candle in the
darkness when you go.”
At New Acropolis, a school of philosophy in the classical manner, we often speak
of “lighting candles in the darkness.” These candles are lit from the flame of
knowledge and wisdom passed down to us through the many cultures and
civilizations of the past, which can show us how to live in harmony with
ourselves, our community and the natural world around us. We can then see the
direction to head in individually and as a community and find ways to pass this
light to the next generations so that they too can continue building a better
future for all.
