Causes Quote by Christopher Isherwood
“Horror is always aware of its cause; terror never is. That is precisely what makes terror terrifying.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1939, "The Terror of Horror"
Horror knows why it scares; terror lacks that awareness, making it more unsettling.
In simple terms: Horror knows its cause; terror does not.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the source of fear to reduce terror.
Themes
fear
awareness
psychology
Mood
uneasy
intrigued
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- watching horror films
- reading thrillers
- encountering unknown situations
- public speaking
- nighttime walks
Key Concepts
existential dread
unknown
control
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears do you face without knowing why?
- How does knowing a cause change your reaction?
A Different Perspective
If you understand the cause, the fear may lessen, but terror thrives on mystery.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)