"It is the nature of truth to struggle to the light"

Wilkie Collins's assertion that it is the nature of truth to struggle to the light reflects a deep understanding of the complex journey that truth often undertakes before emerging into recognition and acceptance. Truth is seldom instantly visible or easily acknowledged; rather, it must wrestle through layers of deception, ignorance, and denial. As individuals and societies, we often bury inconvenient or uncomfortable realities, whether due to fear, pride, or the desire to preserve the status quo. The process of truth coming to light is thus rarely straightforward, requiring confrontation with these obstacles.

The word “struggle” emphasizes that bringing truth into the open is not passive. It suggests resistance, pain, and effort, both from the truth itself and from those determined to keep it hidden. This struggle can unfold on personal, social, or even historical levels. For instance, secrets kept within families must contend with shame and loyalty before they are revealed. On larger scales, social injustices, scientific discoveries, or contested histories often face suppression and denial before they are finally acknowledged and accepted.

Despite these challenges, the very nature of truth appears to give it a certain resilience and persistence. Truth contains within it an inherent drive to be recognized, to dispel darkness and confusion. Over time, deceit and illusion often crumble, unable to withstand scrutiny or the passage of time, while truth–although it may be delayed or resisted–continues pressing forward. Sometimes the struggle is long, and those who speak out for truth may suffer, but the history of human endeavors shows that truth is rarely defeated for good.

Collins’s insight serves not only as a reassurance for those pursuing honesty, but also as a warning to those who would suppress it. Ultimately, truth’s tendency to “struggle to the light” reminds us that, though hidden for a time, it is likely to surface, reshaping understanding and reality in its wake.