Anticipation Quote by Quintilian
“Suffering itself does less afflict the senses than the apprehension of suffering.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise on Oratory, Book 2, 1st century AD
Anticipating pain hurts more than the pain itself.
In simple terms: Fear of suffering is worse than suffering.
Key Takeaway
Manage expectations.
Themes
fear
pain
psychology
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
psychological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- health
- sports
- public speaking
Key Concepts
anticipation
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anticipation affect experience?
- Can you reduce fear?
A Different Perspective
People may still suffer despite mental preparation.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
