Fear Quote by George MacDonald
““A mountain is a strange and awful thing. In old times, without knowing so much of their strangeness and awfulness as we do, people were yet more afraid of mountains. But then somehow they had not come to see how beautiful they are as well as awful, and they hated them--and what people hate they must fear. Now that we have learned to look at them with admiration, perhaps we do not feel quite awe enough of them. To me they are beautiful terrors.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lost Bridegroom by George MacDonald, 1860
Mountains embody both awe‑inspiring beauty and terrifying power, and humans shift between fear and admiration as understanding grows.
In simple terms: Mountains are beautiful yet terrifying, and our feelings change with knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Respect both the wonder and danger of great things.
Themes
nature
beauty
fear
admiration
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- hiking
- mountain climbing
- environmental education
- photography
Key Concepts
aesthetic duality
psychology of awe
Questions to Reflect On
- How does increased knowledge change your fear of the unknown?
- What balance should be struck between awe and respect?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on admiration can diminish healthy caution.
![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
