Every disastrous accident alarms us, and sets us on…
“Every disastrous accident alarms us, and sets us on enquiries concerning the principles whence it arose: Apprehensions spring up with regard to futurity: And the mind, sunk into diffidence, terror, and melancholy, has recourse to every method of appeasing those secret intelligent powers, on whom our fortune is supposed entirely to depend.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Disasters trigger fear of the future, leading minds to seek reassurance from unseen forces.
In simple terms: Accidents cause fear and speculation about fate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fear and seek rational comfort.
Themes
fear
uncertainty
human nature
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- counseling
- philosophical reflection
Key Concepts
anxiety
future
belief systems
Questions to Reflect On
- What rational steps can you take after a disaster?
- How do you balance hope and realism?
A Different Perspective
Relying on unseen forces can hinder practical problem‑solving.