What do you think?
Rate this book
Light from Many Lamps: A Treasury of Inspiration
A classic treasury of inspiration featuring hundreds of passages and quotations—selected from the wisdom of the ages—offering invaluable insight and guidance on the challenges of daily life.
Here are not only the best of the world’s most inspiring thoughts and ideas, but the stories behind them: how they came to be written and what their impact has been on others. A storehouse of inspired and inspiring reading, it is a collection of brief, stimulating biographies as well. There are selections from John Burroughs, Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, William Cullen Bryant, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Shakespeare, Hippocrates, Confucius, and many others. A distillation of the greatest thoughts, ideas, and philosophies that have been handed down to us through the ages, this is a book to turn to over and over again—a book of moral, spiritual, and ethical guidance—an unfailing source of comfort and inspiration for all.
Here are not only the best of the world’s most inspiring thoughts and ideas, but the stories behind them: how they came to be written and what their impact has been on others. A storehouse of inspired and inspiring reading, it is a collection of brief, stimulating biographies as well. There are selections from John Burroughs, Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, William Cullen Bryant, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Shakespeare, Hippocrates, Confucius, and many others. A distillation of the greatest thoughts, ideas, and philosophies that have been handed down to us through the ages, this is a book to turn to over and over again—a book of moral, spiritual, and ethical guidance—an unfailing source of comfort and inspiration for all.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
306 people are currently reading
3413 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 20, 2015
I came to know about 'Light from many Lamps' when I was reading 'The Wings of Fire', an autobiography of former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. In his autobiography the Missile man praised this book, and also admitted that it was this book into which he use to seek solace in difficult times, and it has helped him to gain wisdom, and overcome the problems he faced, beyond any measure. I was in Sr. Secondary when I read that autobiography. It took me another 4 years to buy Light from many Lamps, and its one of those books now on my shelf which I read again and again. It is a gem of a book. A Classic!
And the book started thus:
"Every generation enjoys the use of a vast hoard bequeathed to it by antiquity, and transmits that hoard, augmented by fresh acquisitions, to future ages.
The book is divided into ten parts.
1.Happiness & Enjoyment of living
2.Faith & Inner Calm
3.Courage & Conquest of Fear
4.Confidence & Achievement
5.Self Discipline & The Development of Character
6.Personality & Relationship to Others
7.Peace of Heart and Mind
8.Love & Family Life
9.Contentment in Later Years
10.Hope for the Future"
Each part contains short essays written by many great personalities - Seneca, Emerson, Confucius, Thoreau, Lincoln, and at least 30 more . And each of the essays are followed by many quotes. And no need to say that each and every chapter, is filled with wisdom that can pierce deep in your heart and mind.
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATIONS!
April 4, 2022
I love this book. My own copy was 2nd hand to begin with, but after several readings by me and my husband and son, it's falling to bit! Some people like to dip in, but I like reading anthologies like this from cover to cover, just a wee bit every night. There is so much good stuff, wisdom of the ages and spiritual encouragement, in this book, to help you along the path of life. I bought some copies for Christmas for family and friends. One of the books on my shelves that will always survive decluttering!
Here are some extracts, one from each section. There are many more to choose from!
Happiness and the Enjoyment of Living:
‘Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as what you have already. Of the things you have, select the best; and then reflect how eagerly they would have been sought if you did not have them.’ Marcus Aurelius
Faith and Inner Calm:
‘Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.’ Victor Hugo
Courage and the Conquest of Fear:
‘Come what come may;
Time and the hour runs through the darkest day.’ William Shakespeare
Confidence and Achievement:
‘Tomorrow’s fate, though thou be wise
Thou canst not tell nor yet surmise;
Pass, therefore, not today in vain,
For it will never come again’. Omar Khayyam
Self-Discipline and the development of character:
‘To me the highest thing, after God, is my honour’. Ludwig van Beethoven
Personality and Relationship to Others:
Tsu-Kung asked, saying ‘Is there any one maxim which may serve as a rule of practice for the whole of one’s life? The Master (Confucius) replied: Is not the maxim of charity such? What you do not wish done to yourself, do not to others.’
Peace of Heart and Mind:
‘Doing good to others is not a duty. It is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness’. Zoroaster
Love and family life:
‘Home is where the heart is’. Pliny
Contentment in Later years:
‘The best insurance against melancholia, depression and a sense of futility in old age is the development of wide horizons and the cultivation of mental elasticity and interest in the world. Unlike the flesh, the spirit does not decay with the years ...’ W. Beran Wolfe,
Here are some extracts, one from each section. There are many more to choose from!
Happiness and the Enjoyment of Living:
‘Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as what you have already. Of the things you have, select the best; and then reflect how eagerly they would have been sought if you did not have them.’ Marcus Aurelius
Faith and Inner Calm:
‘Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.’ Victor Hugo
Courage and the Conquest of Fear:
‘Come what come may;
Time and the hour runs through the darkest day.’ William Shakespeare
Confidence and Achievement:
‘Tomorrow’s fate, though thou be wise
Thou canst not tell nor yet surmise;
Pass, therefore, not today in vain,
For it will never come again’. Omar Khayyam
Self-Discipline and the development of character:
‘To me the highest thing, after God, is my honour’. Ludwig van Beethoven
Personality and Relationship to Others:
Tsu-Kung asked, saying ‘Is there any one maxim which may serve as a rule of practice for the whole of one’s life? The Master (Confucius) replied: Is not the maxim of charity such? What you do not wish done to yourself, do not to others.’
Peace of Heart and Mind:
‘Doing good to others is not a duty. It is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness’. Zoroaster
Love and family life:
‘Home is where the heart is’. Pliny
Contentment in Later years:
‘The best insurance against melancholia, depression and a sense of futility in old age is the development of wide horizons and the cultivation of mental elasticity and interest in the world. Unlike the flesh, the spirit does not decay with the years ...’ W. Beran Wolfe,
September 22, 2010
Comment: "I discovered that this book has been read over many times by professionals and top class mentors like Dr. A P J Kalam. I think it is amongst the main reading materials for many top class world leaders. Content is both rich and prosperous taken appropriately from all cultures around the world. There is appropriate use of metaphors and reader is kept engaged in its therapeutic pool of illumination."
January 14, 2009
A great book recommended by Abdul Kalam in an interview. This book has got stories, quotes, poems collected over a period of time.
A truly memorable book ....
A truly memorable book ....
July 11, 2021
One of the three books recommended by APJ Kalam. He read this often when in solitude, nursing dejection and melancholy. In life, often things go astray and you find yourself cornered and preyed upon by predators vying for your nimble meat to quench their ego and avarice.
Read this to find hope, peace and love again in your life, especially if depressed. Sometimes reducing your needs rather than creating riches can make you happy. When you think that roads have disappeared, it is perhaps the turn in the road not the end in the road; and a new different life awaits your brilliance.
Read this to find hope, peace and love again in your life, especially if depressed. Sometimes reducing your needs rather than creating riches can make you happy. When you think that roads have disappeared, it is perhaps the turn in the road not the end in the road; and a new different life awaits your brilliance.
January 5, 2018
Got to know about through a book by Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam. An amazing collection of poems and quotes. Its by far the best motivational book. (esp because I love poetry).
New Favorite.
Forever Reading :)
New Favorite.
Forever Reading :)
January 10, 2015
a life changing book as described by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam . a must read book in lifetime . this book is for those who interests in life and wanna experience happiness and seek peace within. its a great philosophical book. the collection doesn't restrict to only-great ones but diaries of simple people who sought their happiness in small and simple things in their life ,its amazing the feeling you receive after reading this book.a book meant to be read when in distress , a book that shall heal you when you are wounded and alone.
April 27, 2021
This is one-such book which had been recommended by our former president DR APJ ABDUL KALAM in every forum. It is one such inspirational book which draws wisdom,inspiration,stories ,poem,quotes from many intellectuals and philosophers of the past and weave into a beautiful form.
This is must read self help book .
For more http://dddebjeet.wordpress.com/
This is must read self help book .
For more http://dddebjeet.wordpress.com/
July 8, 2014
A complete view of qualities which mankind must possess is elaborated in the form of experience of great people. A virtual teacher, guide on principles, when you feel down take random page and read, your state of mind will be transformed.
November 26, 2023
It's a wonderful book. The book containsts ten sections where the first starts with "Happinesss and the enjoyment of living" and the ends with the section " Hope for the future ". The essays/poems are brilliant , inspiring and motivating. I loved the fact that authors have done the arduous task of finding the story behind every essay/poem that has been put in the book which makes the essays/poems more understandable and touching .my favorite essays /poems been John Burroughs: The secret of happiness is something to do, William Lyons Phelps: How essential it is , William Ernest Henley: I am the master of my fate, James Gordon Gilkey : Facing and accepting a loss, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Let us , then be up and doing ,Joaquin Miller : sail on ,sail on ,William Shakespeare: This above all: To thine own self be true ,Ralph Waldo Emerson: My life is for itself and not for a spectacle ,Philip brooks: The time is short, Sam Walter Foss: Let me live by the side of the road and be a friend to a man, John Burroughs : I rave no more against time or fate ,Henry David Thoreau: our life is frittered away by detail ,John Howard Payne : there no place like home ,Marcus Cicero: old age is the consummation of life .
The section 2 on faith was not so much liked by Me as it was only on God's worship and prayer, and I firmly believe faith is beyond that too.
Overall this is a book that I will coming again and again in life too find peace, courage and hope.
The section 2 on faith was not so much liked by Me as it was only on God's worship and prayer, and I firmly believe faith is beyond that too.
Overall this is a book that I will coming again and again in life too find peace, courage and hope.
December 31, 2021
Every generation enjoys the use of vast hoard bequeathed to it by antiquity , and transmits the hoard , augmented by fresh acquisitions, to future ages.
December 9, 2020
Worthy of being an agnostic's bible. Simple yet powerful quotes and stories that can give one hope and strength in difficult times. If I have any complain, it is only that the selection of authors could have been a bit more diverse. Regardless, a book worthy of being at your bedside.
December 29, 2016
Physical growth does not mean a person has grown mentally; but his character, maturity and attitude towards life definitely depends on his mentality. Calmness, self control and quality thought process are necessary when we are in difficult situations or I think in every circumstances to take wise decisions which make us happy from inside of our soul. This book will certainly help us to take those decisions that make us perfect in every aspect of life. This is not a one time read book, rather it is that kind of book, which we should read every time we feel demotivated or frustrated or morally down. This book is one of its kind that our generations need most. I would highly recommend this book to each and every person.
August 30, 2016
This is by far one of the best books that I have stumble upon!!
Organisation of the most inspirational quotes/stories and the reason when and why they were written is not only fascinating to read, but the meticulous effort put in by the author to divide the stories according to different section make this much more interesting to read.
Organisation of the most inspirational quotes/stories and the reason when and why they were written is not only fascinating to read, but the meticulous effort put in by the author to divide the stories according to different section make this much more interesting to read.
August 12, 2020
I have kept this book since given to me by my Mom (Grandma Judy) over 39 years ago & never read it. I decided to give it a glance & then couldn't stop reading it. Such wonderful quotes & inspirational reading on a variety of topics. When applied to current times, issues, and situations certain parts can feel somewhat dated, but all in all the topics and messages are timeless.
March 11, 2015
If somebody asks me to give away all my books but one, this book will be the one I will keep forever with me. A path guider, it did help me to come out of my difficult times when I had nothing. this book is a journey which is still ON.
December 25, 2015
I got to know about the book from one of speeches of APJ Abdul Kalam.
I found this book as treasure of inspiration when you are down and tells about true stories about many normal and extraordinary men.
I found this book as treasure of inspiration when you are down and tells about true stories about many normal and extraordinary men.
July 17, 2016
This i s one of the best book in my bookshelf.Just go and purchase it.
You get knowledge of many field.
The writer selects small portion of world's best writer's and poet's and published it in a book form.
You get knowledge of many field.
The writer selects small portion of world's best writer's and poet's and published it in a book form.
June 15, 2017
Very nice book recommended by Great Kalam Sir to Youth.
Its collection of various essays and poems from various great people.
Its collection of various essays and poems from various great people.
Want to read
August 1, 2015My Favorite Dr.A.P.J. Abdul kalam sir's one of the favorite book is "light from many lamp" , so thats why i want to read this book. Hopefully i am also like this book.
Read
August 11, 2015this is a good book.which makes our future bright
January 9, 2016
This is one of the favourite books of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. I read this book just because of that.
It's really a treasury of inspiration. Must read it.
It's really a treasury of inspiration. Must read it.
June 14, 2017
a life lesson...as a social being how a human expected to live from childhood to his final stage..this books talks about love1, family,everything...truly it's a light that can be used as a pathfinder
November 5, 2019
A pointless collection of quotes, good for anyone who wants to impress their friends with smarty statues on Facebook.
Read
January 17, 2025I read this book because it was recommended by the scientist & the former Indian president Zainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.
The book was a bit long. It discusses number of topics such as courage, family, faith, hope, achievement and other interesting topics. The book is full of quoted speeches and long & short paragraphs from books that are supposed to summarize the topic in hand. In this regard, the book is excellent. But soon, I realized that the book cannot be read as a book in few days, but it is made to be read at odd moments to remind the reader about the essentials of life. Overall, there are lots of inspiring words in the book, and the reader will certainly enjoy a lot of its pages.
A man will turn over half a library to make one book ….. Samuel Johnson
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance….. Samuel Johnson
The secret of happiness is something to do….. John Burroughs
A man must get his happiness out of his work….. Thomas Carlyle
Difficulties are the things that show what men are….. Epictetus
There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self….. Old Hindu proverb
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself…..Ralph Waldo Emerson
If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility…... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
As I got older I became aware of the folly of this perpetual reaching after the future, and of drawing from tomorrow, and from tomorrow only, a reason for the joyfulness of today. I learned, when alas! it was almost too late, to live each moment as it passed over my head….. William Hale White
The book was a bit long. It discusses number of topics such as courage, family, faith, hope, achievement and other interesting topics. The book is full of quoted speeches and long & short paragraphs from books that are supposed to summarize the topic in hand. In this regard, the book is excellent. But soon, I realized that the book cannot be read as a book in few days, but it is made to be read at odd moments to remind the reader about the essentials of life. Overall, there are lots of inspiring words in the book, and the reader will certainly enjoy a lot of its pages.
A man will turn over half a library to make one book ….. Samuel Johnson
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance….. Samuel Johnson
The secret of happiness is something to do….. John Burroughs
A man must get his happiness out of his work….. Thomas Carlyle
Difficulties are the things that show what men are….. Epictetus
There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self….. Old Hindu proverb
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself…..Ralph Waldo Emerson
If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility…... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
As I got older I became aware of the folly of this perpetual reaching after the future, and of drawing from tomorrow, and from tomorrow only, a reason for the joyfulness of today. I learned, when alas! it was almost too late, to live each moment as it passed over my head….. William Hale White
January 30, 2020
As the title implies "Light from many Lamps" is true to its intention of walking the reader through the various facets affecting human life; their understandings, inferences seen from the work of many a great authors who have enlightened us with their work - Emerson, Shakespeare, ...
Few areas like Happiness and its Pursuit(... yeah that's what it is referred to after the movie..); Work, Discipline and their importance in shaping human conscience and thus affecting our lives is really very beautiful, awakening, precise and simple all at the same time; which is very rare to find.
So; if you are someone who does not have the time, intent, motivation to read many of the books from these legendary authors this might be like a crash course.
Few areas like Happiness and its Pursuit(... yeah that's what it is referred to after the movie..); Work, Discipline and their importance in shaping human conscience and thus affecting our lives is really very beautiful, awakening, precise and simple all at the same time; which is very rare to find.
So; if you are someone who does not have the time, intent, motivation to read many of the books from these legendary authors this might be like a crash course.
April 5, 2023
It’s a beautiful collection of pieces of knowledge around various facets of life. Real world views and experiences of some of the greatest people talking to you in the most assuring way possible! Something that I can go back to every now and then for that little dose of motivation we all need at some point of our life
July 8, 2025
the kind of book people pass down from generations to generations.
full of wisdom, it indeed is a treasure.
it contains answers to all the questions I had and I will always look up this book when I find myself stuck in any phase of my life.
(shoutout to Kalam sir, thank you for introducing this book to us.)
full of wisdom, it indeed is a treasure.
it contains answers to all the questions I had and I will always look up this book when I find myself stuck in any phase of my life.
(shoutout to Kalam sir, thank you for introducing this book to us.)
December 31, 2021
Some passages were very good. 25% of the contents were poems which I didn't enjoy. The book was published in 1951, so the passages were dated and sometimes difficult to understand. Last few passages were not agreeable to me.
October 18, 2018
Such a great book for every student
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews