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About this quote

What does it mean?
People fear death like children fear the dark, and stories make that fear worse.
In plain terms
Fear of death grows from stories, just like kids fear the dark more when told scary tales.
What can you take from it?
Fear is often amplified by stories.

Where it applies

  • coping with loss
  • education
  • parenting

Putting it to work

  • evaluate fears
  • avoid harmful stories
  • face reality

Questions to consider

  • What fears are fueled by stories?
  • How do you face your fears?

Another view

Fear of death can also be based on real risks.

More from Francis Bacon

  1. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious.

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  2. It is worthy the observing, that there is no passion in the mind of man, so weak, but it mates, and masters, the fear of death; and therefore, death is no such…

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man's mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

    Permalink to quote #67

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