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Fear is a greater evil than evil itself.
Saint Francis De Sales
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Fear can be more debilitating and harmful than the actual threat itself.

This quote by Saint Francis De Sales emphasizes the idea that fear can paralyze and control us more than the actual dangers we face. It suggests that often, our anxieties and fears about potential outcomes can prevent us from taking action or experiencing life fully, making fear itself a greater obstacle than the actual challenges we may encounter.

Themes

FearEvilCourageChallengesObstacles

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to inspire courage in facing fears.

More from Saint Francis De Sales

Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
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You can attract more bees with a spoonful of sugar than a cupful of vinegar.
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Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage
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Represent to yourself a dark city all burning and stinking with fire and brimstone. The damned are in the depth of hell within this woful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments in all their senses and members. Consider above all the eternity of their pains, which above all things makes hell intolerable.
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Lately I was near the beehives and some of the bees flew onto my face. I wanted to raise my hand, and brush them off. 'No,' said a peasant to me, 'do not be afraid, and do not touch them. They will not sting you at all, if you touch them they will bite you.' I trusted him; not one bit me. Trust me; do not fear these temptations. Do not touch them; they will not hurt you.
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There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
Saint Francis De SalesRead

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