Panic Quote by Robert Burns
“Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie, O, what a panic's in thy breastie!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "To a Mouse", 1785
Expresses panic and fear when confronting a timid, uncertain creature
In simple terms: Fearful reaction to a timid being
Key Takeaway
Approach fear with calm and empathy
Themes
anxiety
vulnerability
nature
Mood
reflective
poetic
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- animal encounters
- public speaking
- first‑time performances
- social interactions
Key Concepts
empathy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the "panic" reveal about the speaker?
- How can we soothe a "timid beast"?
A Different Perspective
The quote dramatizes fear, which may exaggerate the situation
![“As an actor, if you step to the side and you look at [Thornton's performance] technically, and you try to imagine doing what he was doing, most people would panic. Most people would be on the set, and they would be panicking, going, "I'm not doing anything!" All the ham instincts in you would be…” quote by Edward Norton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f09/edward-norton-2203_actors_as-an-actor-if-you-step-to-the-side-and_15751.jpg)
![“All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn." [ Brigs of Ayr ]” quote by Robert Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f5b/robert-burns-1511_autumn_all-cheering-plenty-with-her-flowing-hor_208127.jpg)
