Fear Quote by Peter Matthiessen
““We have outsmarted ourselves, like greedy monkeys, and now we are full of dread.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey, 1975
Human ingenuity can create problems as severe as the ones it solves, leading to collective anxiety.
In simple terms: Our cleverness can cause fear.
Key Takeaway
Beware over‑engineering solutions.
Themes
technology
human nature
anxiety
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- tech development
- public health
- social media
Key Concepts
unintended consequences
hubris
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance innovation with humility?
- What safeguards prevent self‑inflicted dread?
A Different Perspective
Complex issues often need nuanced, not just simple fixes.
