Cold Quote by Richard A. Falk
“Doing something, however pathetic, is psychologically better than doing nothing. In the current political environment - that is, with no more Cold War tensions - the tendency is to counteract the feelings of fear and vulnerability with a variety of military, paramilitary and police measures, despite the reality that this kind of excessive reliance on force in many ways intensifies the very problem it is purporting to solve.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Politics of Fear” by Richard A. Falk, 2022
Taking any action, even a small or imperfect one, is healthier for the mind than remaining idle, especially when fear drives people to over‑rely on force.
In simple terms: Doing something is better than doing nothing, especially when fear makes us overuse force.
Key Takeaway
Act, even imperfectly, to combat fear.
Themes
psychology
politics
activism
fear
agency
Mood
motivational
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- responding to political anxiety
- choosing constructive protest
- avoiding paralysis by fear
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
social responsibility
military overreach
Questions to Reflect On
- What small step can you take today to address a fear?
- How might in action change your mindset?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on force can worsen the problem.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
