Superstition Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
““I have said that the sole effect of my somewhat childish experiment—that of looking down within the tarn—had been to deepen the first singular impression. There can be no doubt that the consciousness of the rapid increase of my superstition—for why should I not so term it?—served mainly to accelerate the increase itself. Such, I have long known, is the paradoxical law of all sentiments having terror as a basis.””
About This Quote
The narrator observes that introspection intensifies his initial impression, feeding a growing superstition that fuels itself, illustrating how fear underlies emotional development.
In simple terms: Self‑reflection amplifies belief, especially fear‑based.
Key Takeaway
Introspection can magnify irrational fears.
Themes
self‑awareness
fear
paradox
psychology
superstition
Mood
introspective
uneasy
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- creative writing
- psychological analysis
Key Concepts
cognition
emotion
feedback loop
Practical Applications
- exploring character motivation
- designing horror narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑observation alter belief?
- What role does fear play in shaping perception?
