Bears Quote by Saint Francis de Sales
“For every great temptation there will be many small ones. Wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by flies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales, 1609
Small temptations are frequent and often more bothersome than larger, rarer dangers.
In simple terms: Minor temptations can be more irritating than big ones.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant against everyday temptations.
Themes
morality
temptation
self‑control
spirituality
psychology
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- personal ethics
- spiritual practice
- daily routines
- workplace decisions
- social media use
Key Concepts
human nature
habit formation
distraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize small versus large temptations?
- What strategies reduce the impact of frequent minor distractions?
A Different Perspective
Large threats may dominate attention, causing neglect of minor ones.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
