When cowardice becomes a fashion its adherents are without number, and it masquerades as forbearance, reasonableness and whatnot.
PsychologySocietyEthicsSelf deceptionCourageCowardiceSocial norms
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When fear or avoidance of conflict becomes socially accepted, many people adopt it, disguising it as patience or rationality.
- In plain terms
- Many people follow the trend of being cowardly but call it something noble.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of social trends that reward avoidance over courage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have I mistaken fear for reason?
- What does my silence signal to others?
Another view
Not all caution is cowardice; sometimes restraint is wise.
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