--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The wretch that fears to drown, will…" description: "\"The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames; Or, in his dread of flames, will plunge in waves. When eagles are in view, the screaming dov..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/colley-cibber-21340_break_the-wretch-that-fears-to-drown-will-brea_1568094.jpg" --- # The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames… ![“The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames; Or, in his dread of flames, will plunge in waves. When eagles are in view, the screaming doves Will cower beneath the feet of man for safety.” quote by Colley Cibber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/colley-cibber-21340_break_the-wretch-that-fears-to-drown-will-brea_1568094.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/colley-cibber-21340_break_the-wretch-that-fears-to-drown-will-brea_1568094.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/colley-cibber-21340_break_the-wretch-that-fears-to-drown-will-brea_1568094.jpg) > “The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames; Or, in his dread of flames, will plunge in waves. When eagles are in view, the screaming doves Will cower beneath the feet of man for safety.” [Colley Cibber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colley-cibber/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fear of one danger leads to seeking the opposite, resulting in self‑sabotage and misplaced safety. **In simple terms:** Avoid swapping one fear for another. Key Takeaway Recognize and confront true risks. Themes fear self‑sabotage paradox security Mood anxious reflective Type aphilosophical literary When to use this quote - personal decisions - leadership - conflict resolution - stress management Key Concepts psychology risk assessment human behavior Questions to Reflect On - What fear are you replacing with another? - How does perceived safety affect your choices? A Different Perspective Fear can blind judgment and create new hazards. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bird/) [Break](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/break/) [Break through](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/break-through/) [Dove](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dove/) [Doves Cower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doves-cower-5896436/) [Dread](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dread/) [Eagles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eagles/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Fears Drown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fears-drown-5896435/) [Feet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feet/) [Flames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flames/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Plunge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plunge/) [Safety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safety/) [Screaming Doves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/screaming-doves-5896437/) [Views](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/views/) [Wave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wave/) [Waves Eagles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/waves-eagles-5896439/) [Wretch Fears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wretch-fears-5896438/) ## Related quotes > [The purpose is to be in gratitude forever. 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