Skip to content

Afraid Know Quote by Grant Allen

“In fact, in this modern England of ours, this fatherland of snobdom, one passes one's life in a see-saw of doubt, between the Scylla and Charybdis of those two antithetical social dangers: You are always afraid you may get to know somebody you yourself do not want to know, or may try to know…” quote by Grant Allen
Download Open image
““In fact, in this modern England of ours, this fatherland of snobdom, one passes one's life in a see-saw of doubt, between the Scylla and Charybdis of those two antithetical social dangers: You are always afraid you may get to know somebody you yourself do not want to know, or may try to know somebody who does not want to know you.””

Grant Allen

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Woman Who Did, 1895

People fear both intimacy and isolation, creating a social tug‑of‑war between connection and rejection.

In simple terms: Balancing desire for relationships with fear of rejection.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine connections while respecting boundaries.

Themes

social anxiety relationships fear

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • networking events
  • family gatherings
  • online communities

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What relationships do you avoid out of fear?
  • How can you navigate mutual interest safely?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on fear can hinder forming healthy bonds.

3.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Grant Allen

Explore all 12 Grant Allen quotes

More Afraid Know quotes

Browse all 24 Afraid Know quotes