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About this quote

What does it mean?
Those who seek fear over love live in constant anxiety because they dread universal retaliation.
In plain terms
People who want to be feared are actually more scared than everyone else.
What can you take from it?
Seeking fear isolates you and creates constant insecurity.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • conflict
  • personal relationships

Putting it to work

  • lead with respect
  • build trust
  • avoid intimidation

Questions to consider

  • How do you want to be remembered?
  • Is fear a sustainable form of control?

Another view

Sometimes fear is necessary for safety in dangerous environments.

More from Francis de Sales

  1. There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love-every man works his oar voluntarily!

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  2. The damned are in the abyss of Hell, as within a woeful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments, in all their senses and members, because as they have emp…

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  3. Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you.... Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assis…

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