---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The mob gets out of hand, runs wild…"
description: "\"The mob gets out of hand, runs wild, worse than raging fire, while the man who stands apart is called a coward.\" — Euripides"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bc/euripides-472_coward_the-mob-gets-out-of-hand-runs-wild-worse_349005.png"
---

#  The mob gets out of hand, runs wild, worse than raging…

![“The mob gets out of hand, runs wild, worse than raging fire, while the man who stands apart is called a coward.” quote by Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bc/euripides-472_coward_the-mob-gets-out-of-hand-runs-wild-worse_349005.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bc/euripides-472_coward_the-mob-gets-out-of-hand-runs-wild-worse_349005.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3bc/euripides-472_coward_the-mob-gets-out-of-hand-runs-wild-worse_349005.png)

> “The mob gets out of hand, runs wild, worse than raging fire, while the man who stands apart is called a coward.”

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

## About This Quote

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

When chaos erupts, those who stay detached are labeled cowardly, though they may seek to avoid destruction.

**In simple terms:** Standing apart in chaos is seen as cowardice.

Key Takeaway

Balance courage with prudent restraint.

Themes

war chaos morality cowardice courage

Mood

critical analytical

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

- political protest
- emergency response
- team leadership

Key Concepts

ethical dilemma social pressure group dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- When is it wiser to step back than to join the fray?
- How do societies reward reckless bravery?

A Different Perspective

Labeling restraint as cowardice can discourage necessary caution.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Fire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fire/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Rage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rage/) [Running](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running/)

## Related quotes

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> [“I called you a coward! You're a fucking sheep in wolf's clothing”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-bliler/i-called-you-a-coward-you-re-a-fucking-sheep-in-wolf-s-clothing/)

Susan Bliler

> [To be called a coward, I don't think that's fair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-alexander/to-be-called-a-coward-i-don-t-think-that-s-fair/)

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> [There's only one man I've called a coward, and that's Brian Doyle-Murray.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-lipton/there-s-only-one-man-i-ve-called-a-coward-and-that-s-brian-doyle/)

[James Lipton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-lipton/)

> [“Three sentences were highlighted: I’ve been a so-called coward and a so-called hero and there’s not the thickness of a sheet of paper between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victoria-danann/three-sentences-were-highlighted-i-ve-been-a-so-called-coward-and-a/)

[Victoria Danann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victoria-danann/)

> [Human misery must somewhere have a stop; there is no wind that always blows a storm; great good fortune comes to failure in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/human-misery-must-somewhere-have-a-stop-there-is-no-wind-that-always/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Cowards do not count in battle; they are there, but not in it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/cowards-do-not-count-in-battle-they-are-there-but-not-in-it/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Do not be angry with people who are weak. That is the mark of a coward. There are plenty of things to be angry…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josei-toda/do-not-be-angry-with-people-who-are-weak-that-is-the-mark-of-a-coward/)

[Josei Toda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josei-toda/)

> [When roused to rage the maddening populace storms, their fury, like a rolling flame, bursts forth unquenchable; but give its violence ways, it spends…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/when-roused-to-rage-the-maddening-populace-storms-their-fury-like-a/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [If you're a generous person, when you get money and fame, you're going to be more generous. If you're a sharer, you're going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-harvey/if-you-re-a-generous-person-when-you-get-money-and-fame-you-re-going/)

[Steve Harvey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-harvey/)

> [“It is true that only a coward can be brave, as a man who feels no fear has conquered nothing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conn-david-iggulden/it-is-true-that-only-a-coward-can-be-brave-as-a-man-who-feels-no-fear/)

Conn &amp; David Iggulden

> [Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit; but a just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thucydides/boasting-and-bravado-may-exist-in-the-breast-even-of-the-coward-if-he/)

[Thucydides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thucydides/)

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Suad Amiry

> [“The Coward will run away from danger, only to strike in the dark. The Heroine will run through the dark, even though she knows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-a-cleinman/the-coward-will-run-away-from-danger-only-to-strike-in-the-dark-the/)

David A. Cleinman

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[Emmanuel Jal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmanuel-jal/)

## More by Euripides

> [“Oh where is the noble face of modesty, or the strength of virtue, now that blasphemy is in power and men have put justice…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/oh-where-is-the-noble-face-of-modesty-or-the-strength-of-virtue-now/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [A second wife is hateful to the children of the first; a viper is not more hateful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/a-second-wife-is-hateful-to-the-children-of-the-first-a-viper-is-not/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Old age is not a total misery. Experience helps.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/old-age-is-not-a-total-misery-experience-helps/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [“What greater sorrow than being forced to leave behind my native earth?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/what-greater-sorrow-than-being-forced-to-leave-behind-my-native-earth/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Pay special attention to their agony so I might take some pleasure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/pay-special-attention-to-their-agony-so-i-might-take-some-pleasure/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [“You don't know what your life is, nor what you're doing, nor who you are.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/you-don-t-know-what-your-life-is-nor-what-you-re-doing-nor-who-you-are/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [But woe to him, who left to moan, Reviews the hours of brightness gone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/but-woe-to-him-who-left-to-moan-reviews-the-hours-of-brightness-gone/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/who-then-will-dare-to-say-i-m-weak-or-timid-no-they-ll-say-i-m-loyal/)

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> [There is desire in those who love to hear about their loved ones' pains.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/there-is-desire-in-those-who-love-to-hear-about-their-loved-ones-pains/)

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[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [Leave no stone unturned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/leave-no-stone-unturned/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

> [The man who glories in his luck may be overthrown by destiny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euripides/the-man-who-glories-in-his-luck-may-be-overthrown-by-destiny/)

[Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

[Explore all 532 Euripides quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euripides/)

## More Coward quotes

> [Only a coward will use a gun to protect and get respect for themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmanuel-jal/only-a-coward-will-use-a-gun-to-protect-and-get-respect-for-themselves/)

[Emmanuel Jal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmanuel-jal/)

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David A. Cleinman

> [“A thousand times a coward and not once a dead man”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suad-amiry/a-thousand-times-a-coward-and-not-once-a-dead-man/)

Suad Amiry

> [Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit; but a just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thucydides/boasting-and-bravado-may-exist-in-the-breast-even-of-the-coward-if-he/)

[Thucydides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thucydides/)

> [“It is true that only a coward can be brave, as a man who feels no fear has conquered nothing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conn-david-iggulden/it-is-true-that-only-a-coward-can-be-brave-as-a-man-who-feels-no-fear/)

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> [If you're a generous person, when you get money and fame, you're going to be more generous. If you're a sharer, you're going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-harvey/if-you-re-a-generous-person-when-you-get-money-and-fame-you-re-going/)

[Steve Harvey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-harvey/)

> [Where is the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land as Scotland?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-scott/where-is-the-coward-that-would-not-dare-to-fight-for-such-a-land-as/)

[Walter Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-scott/)

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[Craig D. Lounsbrough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-d-lounsbrough/)

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[O. Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/o-henry/)

> [People who keep dogs are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/august-strindberg/people-who-keep-dogs-are-cowards-who-haven-t-got-the-guts-to-bite/)

[August Strindberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/august-strindberg/)

> [Is there cowardice with the acknowledgement of fear?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-zusak/is-there-cowardice-with-the-acknowledgement-of-fear/)

[Markus Zusak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/markus-zusak/)

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[Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-francis/)

> [If our principles are right, why should we be cowards?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretia-mott/if-our-principles-are-right-why-should-we-be-cowards/)

[Lucretia Mott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretia-mott/)

> [I found from working on the film that I am a bigot, at times. And that I am also a coward, at times.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-howard/i-found-from-working-on-the-film-that-i-am-a-bigot-at-times-and-that/)

[Terrence Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-howard/)

> [A coward is the kindest animal; 'Tis the most forgiving creature in a fight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dryden/a-coward-is-the-kindest-animal-tis-the-most-forgiving-creature-in-a/)

[John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/)

Browse all 1,331 Coward quotes

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