--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Shore up the mean with reverence and…" description: "\"Shore up the mean with reverence and terror. But never banish terror from the gates of the state. The stronger the fear, the stronger the reverence for..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf3/simon-critchley-11984_cities_shore-up-the-mean-with-reverence-and-ter_2528569.jpg" --- # Shore up the mean with reverence and terror. But never… ![“Shore up the mean with reverence and terror. But never banish terror from the gates of the state. The stronger the fear, the stronger the reverence for the just, the stronger your country's wall and the city's safety.” quote by Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf3/simon-critchley-11984_cities_shore-up-the-mean-with-reverence-and-ter_2528569.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf3/simon-critchley-11984_cities_shore-up-the-mean-with-reverence-and-ter_2528569.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf3/simon-critchley-11984_cities_shore-up-the-mean-with-reverence-and-ter_2528569.jpg) > “Shore up the mean with reverence and terror. But never banish terror from the gates of the state. The stronger the fear, the stronger the reverence for the just, the stronger your country's wall and the city's safety.” [Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-critchley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Respect for law must coexist with fear; fear fuels reverence for justice and strengthens societal defenses. **In simple terms:** Fear and reverence together protect the state. Key Takeaway Maintain reverence while managing fear. Themes politics law fear justice security Mood cautious thoughtful Type political philosophical When to use this quote - policy making - law enforcement - public safety - community governance Key Concepts Social contract civic duty Questions to Reflect On - What limits should be placed on fear in governance? - How does reverence shape civic responsibility? A Different Perspective Excessive fear can erode freedoms and trust. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cities/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Reverence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reverence/) [Safety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safety/) [Wall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wall/) ## Related quotes > [The stronger the reverence for natural life, the stronger grows also that for spiritual life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-schweitzer/the-stronger-the-reverence-for-natural-life-the-stronger-grows-also/) [Albert Schweitzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-schweitzer/) > [“and after all in this house what have we to fear? There is always someone with us who is stronger. 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