Coward Quote by Fanny Burney
““No, my Lord," answered she, "it would have been from mere shame, that, in an age so daring, you alone should be such a coward as to forbear to frighten women." "o", cried he, laughing, "when a man is in a fright for himself, the ladies cannot but be in security; for you have not had half the apprehension for the safety of your persons, that I have for that of my heart.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding, 1749 (adapted)
A woman challenges a man’s cowardice, arguing that fear for oneself should not excuse neglect of others’ safety, especially women’s.
In simple terms: Fear should not excuse ignoring others’ safety.
Key Takeaway
Stand up for others despite personal fear.
Themes
courage
gender
social duty
fear
Mood
assertive
critical
Type
dramatic
dialogue
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family
- activism
- public speaking
- relationships
Key Concepts
feminism
ethical responsibility
masculinity
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have to protect others?
- How does personal fear affect our moral choices?
A Different Perspective
May be seen as overly dramatic or anachronistic.
![“I never pretend to be so superior a being as to be above having and indulging a hobby horse [her journal writing], and while I keep mine within due bounds and limits, nobody, I flatter myself, would wish to deprive me of the poor animal: to be sure, he is not formed for labour, and is rather lame…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/fanny-burney-7403_animal_i-never-pretend-to-be-so-superior-a-bein_485407.jpg)
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
