For as children tremble and fear everything in the blind…
“For as children tremble and fear everything in the blind darkness, so we in the light sometimes fear what is no more to be feared than the things that children in the dark hold in terror and imagine will come true. This terror, therefore, and darkness of mind must be dispelled not by the rays of the sun and glittering shafts of daylight, but by the aspect and law of nature.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human fear often stems from imagined threats in darkness; true calm comes from understanding natural law rather than external light.
In simple terms: Fear comes from imagined darkness; understanding nature calms it.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge of nature to dispel irrational fear.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
fear
knowledge
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal anxiety
- nighttime fears
- overcoming superstition
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
atomism
natural law
mind
Questions to Reflect On
- What imagined threats dominate your thoughts?
- How can learning about nature reduce your fears?
A Different Perspective
Rational insight may not instantly erase deep-seated terror.