Contagious Quote by Neil Gaiman
“Fear is contagious. You can catch it. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to say that they're scared for the fear to become real. Mo was terrified, and now Nick was too.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sandman, Volume 5, 1990
Fear spreads through observation and suggestion, making it become when shared.
In simple terms: Fear spreads when we hear it from others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge fear when it appears.
Themes
psychology
influence
emotions
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- team dynamics
- public speaking
- mental health
- leadership
Key Concepts
social contagion
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice fear spreading in a group?
- What steps can you take to calm collective anxiety?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be amplified by over‑reacting or misinterpretation.
![“Never worry alone. When anxiety grabs my mind, it is self-perpetuating. Worrisome thoughts reproduce faster than rabbits, so one of the most powerful ways to stop the spiral of worry is simply to disclose my worry to a friend... The simple act of reassurance from another human being [becomes] a…” quote by John Ortberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/487/john-ortberg-932_anxiety_never-worry-alone-when-anxiety-grabs-my_3068051.jpg)
![“[T]hey could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19e/neil-gaiman-29_amused_t-hey-could-not-help-being-amused-every_4551.jpg)
