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Now he'll outstare the lighting. To be furious Is to be…

“Now he'll outstare the lighting. To be furious Is to be frightened out of fear, and in that mood The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still A diminution in our captain's brain Restores his heart. When valor preys on reason, It eats the sword it fights with.” quote by William Shakespeare
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““Now he'll outstare the lighting. To be furious Is to be frightened out of fear, and in that mood The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still A diminution in our captain's brain Restores his heart. When valor preys on reason, It eats the sword it fights with.””

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Fear can transform into anger, and when emotion overtakes reason, it can undermine one’s own strength.

In simple terms: Fear fuels anger and can weaken judgment.

Key Takeaway

Control fear before it clouds reason.

Themes

fear anger reason self‑sabotage

Mood

tense reflective dramatic

Type

literary philosophical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • battlefield
  • personal crisis
  • leadership decisions

Key Concepts

emotional regulation psychology conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does anger become useful?
  • How can leaders balance fear and reason?
A Different Perspective

Anger may also sharpen focus, not just weaken.

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