Anxiety Quote by Robert Kegan
“It is not change that causes anxiety; it is the feeling that we are without defenses in the presence of what we see as danger that causes anxiety.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Invitation to Adult Development, 2011
Anxiety stems from feeling defenseless before perceived threats, not from change itself.
In simple terms: Anxiety is feeling unprotected, not change.
Key Takeaway
Build emotional defenses.
Themes
psychology
anxiety
change
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- personal growth
- stress management
Key Concepts
vulnerability
threat perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What defenses do you rely on?
- How can you feel safe without rigidity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on defenses can hinder openness to new experiences.
![“That 'change makes us uncomfortable' is now one of the most widely promoted, widely accepted, and under-considered half-truths around. [I]t is not change by itself that makes us uncomfortable; it is not even change that involves taking on something very difficult. Rather, it is change that leaves…” quote by Robert Kegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aed/robert-kegan-23287_accepted_that-change-makes-us-uncomfortable-is-no_2750455.jpg)
![“μεταβάλλει δυσδαιμονία [It is change that causes pain]” quote by Euripides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ce5/euripides-472_causes_it-is-change-that-causes-pain-2629239_2629239.jpg)
