Step Into the Light. The Shadow Is Guaranteed.

The moment you step into the light, you cast a shadow. Never forget that.

For every person who pats you on the shoulder, there is one in the shadow who hates you, gossips about you, attacks you, criticises you — and three more who could do it considerably better, naturally, if only they had the money and the time and fewer other things to do.

This is not a complaint. It is a law of physics.

The Question

So should you stay in the shadow? Bake small rolls and say nothing about the things you do, because a handful of small-minded people find your visibility inconvenient? Should you hide behind pseudonyms in forums? Duck into anonymity instead of standing behind what you do?

I do not think so.

If you want to move big things, you have to talk about them. Carry them like a flag. Because how big can something become when nobody knows about it — when you do it quietly, shamefully, without telling a soul? How many people will you inspire to do great things themselves, if nobody knows you exist?

The Argument for the Light

Go out. Dream so large that it frightens you sometimes — because if the dream does not frighten you, it is not big enough. Do good and talk about it, often, because your story moves others to act. Do not fear comparison and competition. That is how our species climbed out of the cave in the first place.

Leave the cave to the haters, the small-minded, and the envious. They are comfortable in the dark. Behind pseudonyms. In the anonymity of the crowd.

A star that wants to be seen must shine brighter than the rest — because then it serves as navigation.

Why Bother

Yes, when you step into the light it is often hot and the path is not always clear. But you have to keep moving.

Stillstand ist Tod. Standing still is death.

Why do you try anyway, when all the odds are against you? Why do you try anyway, when the dream is much too large for you? Why do you try anyway, when there are more reasons to stop than to continue?

Because it is your dream.

Because you only need to believe in yourself — and if you do that long enough, others will eventually understand. They will understand.