--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even when a person is frightened by…" description: "\"Even when a person is frightened by threats into doing something, the threats work only because the person has an instinct of fear. If he has not, or i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/john-dewey-545_eye_even-when-a-person-is-frightened-by-thre_3182948.jpg" --- # Even when a person is frightened by threats into doing… ![“Even when a person is frightened by threats into doing something, the threats work only because the person has an instinct of fear. If he has not, or if, though having it, it is under his own control, the threat has no more influence upon him than light has in causing a person to see who has no…” quote by John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/john-dewey-545_eye_even-when-a-person-is-frightened-by-thre_3182948.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/john-dewey-545_eye_even-when-a-person-is-frightened-by-thre_3182948.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/john-dewey-545_eye_even-when-a-person-is-frightened-by-thre_3182948.jpg) > “Even when a person is frightened by threats into doing something, the threats work only because the person has an instinct of fear. If he has not, or if, though having it, it is under his own control, the threat has no more influence upon him than light has in causing a person to see who has no eyes.” [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fear motivates behavior only when it is felt; without fear, external threats lose power. **In simple terms:** Fear drives action only if felt. Key Takeaway Cultivate inner calm to neutralize threats. Themes psychology behavior fear control Mood determined analytical Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - stressful situations - negotiations - personal safety - decision making Key Concepts motivation autonomy perception Questions to Reflect On - How can you maintain composure under threat? - What internal resources help you control fear? A Different Perspective May underestimate systemic pressures beyond personal control. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Doing Threats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doing-threats-5840026/) [Eye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eye/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Frightened](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/frightened/) [Frightened Threats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/frightened-threats-5840025/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Persons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persons/) [Threat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threat/) [Threat Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threat-influence-5840023/) [Threats Doing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threats-doing-5840024/) [Threats Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threats-work-5292184/) ## Related quotes > [Humans have a proven track record in taking over planes by the use of threats, which work because the legitimate pilots value their own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/humans-have-a-proven-track-record-in-taking-over-planes-by-the-use-of/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) > [I was hit by a car. 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