“I shall be able to kindle the same in you. But one cannot light a piece of stone. Only those of you who have some oil and wick in them will light their lamp with this matchstick of mine.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Gandhi, The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi (his Gita discourses); lamp/matchstick metaphor.
About this quote
Inspiration can only ignite what is already present. A teacher or example supplies the spark, but the readiness — the willingness and inner material to catch — has to belong to the learner. Where that is missing, no amount of prompting will take hold.
When to use it
- A coach's advice transforms a hungry player yet bounces off a teammate who has tuned out.
- A powerful book changes the reader who is ready for it and leaves another cold.
- Mentoring an eager new hire who runs with every tip versus one who resists all of them.