Fear Quote by Steven Erikson
““Many adults, in the indurated immobility of years, acquire a fear of places they have never been, even as they long for something different in their lives, something new. But this new thing is a world of the fantastical, formless in answer to vague longings, and is as much defined by absence as presence. It is a conjuration of emotions and wishful imaginings, which may or may not possess a specific geography. Achieving such a place demands a succession of breaks with one’s present situation, always a traumatic endeavour, and upon completion, why, sudden comes the fear.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Malazan Book of the Fallen, 1999
People often fear unknown possibilities while yearning for change, yet new experiences are imagined and lack clear definition, requiring painful breaks from the familiar to confront that fear.
In simple terms: Fear of the unknown hinders change; new experiences are imagined and undefined.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and break routine.
Themes
change
fear
imagination
trauma
growth
Mood
anxious
hopeful
reflective
Type
philosophical
creative
motivational
When to use this quote
- career transition
- creative projects
- personal growth
- travel planning
- relationship shifts
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
fictional world-building
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns are you avoiding?
- How can you create small, safe experiments toward change?
A Different Perspective
The fear may stem from loss of security and identity during transition.
