Imaginary evils soon become real ones by indulging our…
“Imaginary evils soon become real ones by indulging our reflections on them; as he who in a melancholy fancy sees something like a face on the wall or the wainscot can, by two or three touches with a lead pencil, make it look visible, and agreeing with what he fancied.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Imagining terrible things can cause them to seem real, especially when we obsessively focus on them.
In simple terms: Focusing on imagined fears makes them feel real.
Key Takeaway
Limit obsessive thoughts about imagined dangers.
Themes
fear
imagination
reality
obsession
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
cautionary
insightful
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- mental health therapy
- personal reflection
- artistic sketching
Key Concepts
psychology
perception
self‑fulfilling prophecy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish imagined threats from real ones?
- What practices help you ground your thoughts?
A Different Perspective
Over‑indulgence may amplify anxiety rather than resolve it.