In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

The saying frames motivation and moral energy as something fragile: a person’s “inner fire” can dim through fatigue, disappointment, or isolation. Schweitzer (to whom it is often attributed) emphasizes the social nature of renewal—another person’s presence, example, or kindness can reignite purpose. The closing line turns this into an ethical reminder: gratitude is owed not only for material help but for those who restore courage, hope, or vocation. The image of rekindling suggests that inspiration is less a solitary achievement than a shared human exchange, and it implicitly encourages readers to become such a catalyst for others.