Anxiety Quote by Paul Tillich
“Fear, as opposed to anxiety, has a definite object, which can be faced, analyzed, attacked, endured... anxiety has no object, or rather, in a paradoxical phrase, its object is the negation of every object.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Systematic Theology, 1949
Fear targets a specific threat that can be confronted; anxiety is a vague, objectless unease.
In simple terms: Fear has a clear target; anxiety is vague.
Key Takeaway
Identify and address specific fears.
Themes
psychology
philosophy
emotions
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- public speaking
- decision making
Key Concepts
objective threat
existential anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- What specific fear can you name?
- How does recognizing the object of fear help?
A Different Perspective
Anxiety can sometimes motivate positive change.
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