---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our tragedy is a general and universal…"
description: "\"Our tragedy is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it... the basest of all things is to be afraid.\" — ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e31/william-faulkner-306_afraid_our-tragedy-is-a-general-and-universal-p_264863.png"
---

#  Our tragedy is a general and universal physical fear so…

![“Our tragedy is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it... the basest of all things is to be afraid.” quote by William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e31/william-faulkner-306_afraid_our-tragedy-is-a-general-and-universal-p_264863.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e31/william-faulkner-306_afraid_our-tragedy-is-a-general-and-universal-p_264863.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e31/william-faulkner-306_afraid_our-tragedy-is-a-general-and-universal-p_264863.png)

> “Our tragedy is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it... the basest of all things is to be afraid.”

[William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-faulkner/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human beings often cling to fear as a constant, making it a pervasive and enduring part of life.

**In simple terms:** Fear becomes a lasting, universal burden.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront fear to reduce its grip.

Themes

fear human nature existentialism

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- political discourse
- mental health
- social movements

Key Concepts

psychology existential dread

Questions to Reflect On

- What fears are you allowing to dominate your life?
- How can fear be transformed into constructive energy?

A Different Perspective

Fear can also motivate protective actions, not just paralyze.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Tragedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tragedy/)

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