Fear breeds upon itself because it is a hermaphrodite…
“Fear breeds upon itself because it is a hermaphrodite capable of endless reproduction. Fear is a contagious disease, spreading from its first victim to others in the vicinity until it is powerful enough to take charge of a group, in which event it becomes panic. Fear is the afterbirth of reason and calculation. It takes time to recuperate from fear.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fear multiplies by infecting others, turning rational caution into collective panic and hindering recovery.
In simple terms: Fear spreads and can become panic.
Recognize and address fear early.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership meetings
- crisis response
- team building
- personal anxiety management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear affect group decision making?
- When can fear be useful?
Fear can also motivate preparedness if harnessed constructively.