Skip to content

Anxiety Quote by Edwin H Friedman

“A major criterion for judging the anxiety level of any society is the loss of its capacity to be playful.” quote by Edwin H Friedman
Download Open image
“A major criterion for judging the anxiety level of any society is the loss of its capacity to be playful.”

Edwin H Friedman

About This Quote

Source Book: A Failure of Nerve, 1975

A society's anxiety is evident when it no longer allows playfulness, indicating deeper fear and rigidity.

In simple terms: Playfulness loss shows societal anxiety.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate play to reduce collective fear.

Themes

anxiety playfulness culture mental health

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • schools
  • workplaces
  • families
  • community events
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics fear of failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does playfulness affect community resilience?
  • What structures inhibit playful behavior?
A Different Perspective

Play can be suppressed by economic pressures or authoritarian norms.

4.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Edwin H Friedman

Explore all 19 Edwin H Friedman quotes

More Anxiety quotes

Browse all 4,563 Anxiety quotes