---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is to think, that men are so…"
description: "\"This is to think, that men are so foolish, that they take care to avoid what mischiefs may be done them by pole-cats, or foxes; but are content, nay, t..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa3/john-locke-814_care_this-is-to-think-that-men-are-so-foolish_1776484.png"
---

#  This is to think, that men are so foolish, that they take…

![“This is to think, that men are so foolish, that they take care to avoid what mischiefs may be done them by pole-cats, or foxes; but are content, nay, think it safety, to be devoured by lions.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa3/john-locke-814_care_this-is-to-think-that-men-are-so-foolish_1776484.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa3/john-locke-814_care_this-is-to-think-that-men-are-so-foolish_1776484.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa3/john-locke-814_care_this-is-to-think-that-men-are-so-foolish_1776484.png)

> “This is to think, that men are so foolish, that they take care to avoid what mischiefs may be done them by pole-cats, or foxes; but are content, nay, think it safety, to be devoured by lions.”

[John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-locke/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Warns against avoiding minor risks while exposing oneself to greater dangers, using animal metaphors.

**In simple terms:** Avoid small dangers but risk larger ones.

Key Takeaway

Beware of misplaced safety.

Themes

risk assessment human folly danger perception

Mood

reflective cautionary

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

- personal decision making
- policy design
- risk management
- health choices

Key Concepts

philosophy cognitive bias self‑preservation

Questions to Reflect On

- What small risks do we overlook?
- How can we better evaluate true dangers?

A Different Perspective

People may underestimate larger threats.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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