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About this quote

What does it mean?
Fear itself is the greatest danger; even atheism might be acceptable to a divine being.
In plain terms
Fear is the worst thing, and belief systems are secondary.
What can you take from it?
Do not let fear dominate your thoughts.

Where it applies

  • facing a tough decision
  • debating religion

Putting it to work

  • practice mindfulness
  • question irrational fears

Questions to consider

  • What fears are holding you back?
  • How can you differentiate useful fear from harmful fear?

Another view

Fear can be a useful warning signal, not just a hindrance.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.

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  2. The bluebird carries the sky on his back.

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  3. And now, at half-past ten o'clock, I hear the cockerels crow in Hubbard's barns, and morning is already anticipated. It is the feathered, wakeful thought in us…

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