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About this quote

What does it mean?
Montaigne notes that the fear of fear itself is often more paralyzing than the actual threat.
In plain terms
Being afraid of being scared is worse than the thing you fear.
What can you take from it?
Manage anxiety about anxiety itself.

Where it applies

  • stress management
  • performance anxiety
  • therapy

Putting it to work

  • mindfulness
  • face fears
  • reduce worry

Questions to consider

  • What fears do you fear most?
  • How does anxiety amplify problems?

Another view

This insight applies more to psychological states than immediate physical dangers.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. Things are not bad in themselves, but our cowardice makes them so.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. Je veux que la mort me trouve plantant mes choux.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. In my opinion, every rich man is a miser.

    Permalink to quote #5

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