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Afraid Quote by Henry James

“He gave a melancholy sigh and stood looking at her a moment, with his hands behind him, giving short nervous shakes to his hunting-crop. “Do you know I’m very much afraid of it – of that remarkable mind of yours?” quote by Henry James
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““He gave a melancholy sigh and stood looking at her a moment, with his hands behind him, giving short nervous shakes to his hunting-crop. “Do you know I’m very much afraid of it – of that remarkable mind of yours?””

Henry James

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Portrait of a Lady, 1881

Fear can arise from admiration of another's intellect, mixing awe with personal insecurity.

In simple terms: Admiring someone's mind can make you afraid.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge both admiration and fear.

Themes

fear admiration intellectual insecurity

Mood

introspective anxious

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • romantic tension
  • career competition
  • mentor relationships
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

psychological conflict self-doubt

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes you fear brilliant minds?
  • How can you turn admiration into confidence?
A Different Perspective

Fear may hinder genuine connection.

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