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At the approach of danger there are always two voices that speak with equal force in the heart of man: one very reasonably tells the man to consider the nature of the danger and the means of avoiding it; the other even more reasonable says that it is too painful and harassing to think of the danger, since it is not a man's power to provide for everything and escape from the general march of events; and that it is therefore better to turn aside from the painful subject till it has come, and to think of what is pleasant. In solitude a man generally yields to the first voice; in society to the second.

Leo Tolstoy#26

SocietyPsychologyDangerDecisionFear

About this quote

What does it mean?
Men hear two voices in danger: one urging caution and the other urging distraction; society favors the latter.
In plain terms
In danger, people either think about avoiding it or try to ignore it until it arrives.
What can you take from it?
Social settings often discourage rational fear responses.

Where it applies

  • leadership under pressure
  • personal risk
  • group dynamics

Putting it to work

  • listen to reason
  • recognize bias
  • prepare calmly

Questions to consider

  • How do you react to danger?
  • Does social pressure hide your fears?

Another view

It assumes all people react the same way to danger.

More from Leo Tolstoy

  1. The strongest of all warriors are these two - Time and Patience.

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. He did not, and could not, understand the meaning of words apart from their context. Every word and action of his was the manifestation of an activity unknown …

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. Everything comes in time to him who knows how to wait.

    Permalink to quote #24

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