Japanese proverb of the day , “Darkness reigns at the foot of the lighthouse,” describes a situation that can occur in homes, workplaces and personal relationships. A lighthouse is built to send light across the sea and help people at a distance. However, the area directly below it can remain in darkness. The image is used to explain how people can notice problems that are far from them but fail to see problems in their own lives. A person may advise others, solve problems for others or teach certain values while ignoring the same issues at home. The proverb therefore asks people to look at themselves before trying to correct others.
