Anxiety Quote by Scott Stossel
“There is an element in which anxiety co-represents with aspects of my personality I wouldn't want to give up. It allows you to have foresight. I may not be as empathetic. It's hard to figure out the difference between pathology and personality.”
About This Quote
Source Book: My Age of Anxiety, 2014
Anxiety intertwines with personality traits, offering foresight but also reducing empathy; distinguishing pathology from personality is challenging.
In simple terms: Anxiety can be both helpful and limiting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize anxiety’s role while managing its downsides.
Themes
anxiety
personality
empathy
self-awareness
Mood
introspective
cautious
Type
psychological
reflective
When to use this quote
- therapy
- career decisions
- relationships
- self-improvement
Key Concepts
psychology
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tell if anxiety is a trait or a disorder?
- What strategies preserve empathy while using anxiety’s foresight?
A Different Perspective
Anxiety may hinder empathy and decision‑making.
![“Hippocrates, the ancient Greek doctor, concluded in the fourth century B.C. that pathological anxiety was a straightforward biological and medical problem. “If you cut open the head [of a mentally ill individual],” Hippocrates wrote, “you will find the brain humid, full of sweat and smelling…” quote by Scott Stossel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/219/scott-stossel-12031_ancient-greek_hippocrates-the-ancient-greek-doctor-con_1077016.jpg)
