Robert Louis Stevenson was a magnificent writer. He wrote many treasures, including “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” and “Treasure Island”.

Most people don’t know that Stevenson barely survived childhood. He grew up sickly in 19th century Edinburgh. He couldn’t go outside to play with his peers.

Fortunately, his parents had means so young Robert was attended by a nurse. One day, as dusk settled upon Edinburgh, he sat in a chair staring out the window. He wasn’t reading or doing anything, just staring as the lamplighters came by to ignite the street lights.

Finally, his nurse asked him: “Robert, what are you doing?”

“I’m just watching that fellow punch holes in the darkness.”

Why do good writers write? 

To punch holes in the darkness.

P.S. Thank you,  Congressman Denny Heck, for bringing this story to my attention. It’s illuminating (pun intended)!