Apprehension Quote by John Dryden
“When the Sun sets, shadows, that shew'd at Noon But small, appear most long and terrible; So, when we think Fate hovers o'er our Heads, Our apprehensions shoot beyond all bounds, Owls, Ravens, Crickets seem the watch of death, Nature's worst Vermine scare her God-like Sons. Ecchoes the very leavings of a Voice, Grow babling Ghosts, and call us to our Graves: Each Mole-hill thought swells to a huge Olympus, While we fantastick Dreamers heave and puff, And sweat with an Imagination's weight...”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unspecified, likely 17th‑century verse
Our minds magnify small fears into monstrous threats, especially when we feel fate looming.
In simple terms: Small worries become huge in our imagination.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and shrink exaggerated fears.
Themes
fear
imagination
perception
anxiety
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- personal crisis
- decision making
- creative work
Key Concepts
cognitive distortion
psychological projection
existential dread
Questions to Reflect On
- What minor concern feels overwhelming now?
- How can you reframe a fear into a realistic assessment?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be useful for vigilance but may paralyze if unchecked.
