Fear Quote by Nancy Gibbs
“Maybe as times get worse we get better. Our pain makes us feel other people's too; our fear lets us practice valor; we are tense, and tender as well. And among the things we can no longer afford are things we never really wanted anyway...”
About This Quote
The quote suggests that hardship can foster empathy, courage, and heightened sensitivity, while also revealing that some desires are unnecessary.
In simple terms: Hardship can increase empathy and courage, and expose unnecessary wants.
Key Takeaway
Embrace challenges to grow emotionally and reassess priorities.
Themes
empathy
courage
self‑awareness
growth
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- social activism
- team leadership
- mental health coping
Key Concepts
psychology
human experience
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How have challenges shaped your empathy?
- What unnecessary desires have you let go?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that not all pain leads to positive growth and can cause lasting trauma.
![“Forgiveness is the best part of valor...Discretion is easy. It's finding the courage to forgive yourself and others that is hard. [Acheron]” quote by Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c73/sherrilyn-kenyon-25_courage_forgiveness-is-the-best-part-of-valor-di_34880.jpg)
![“[Former chief executives] come away thinking that America needs a strong, functioning presidency to succeed, and they become very protective of that office. Democrats and Republicans alike are willing to put aside their own party's self-interest to preserve the presidency. That's been true over…” quote by Nancy Gibbs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/898/nancy-gibbs-2206_america_former-chief-executives-come-away-thinki_104173.jpg)
