Fear is a relative thing; its effects are relative to power.
Interpretation
Fear's impact depends on one's power or control over a situation.
This quote highlights the idea that fear is not an absolute experience; instead, it varies in intensity and effect based on individual circumstances and the level of power one holds. Those who feel powerless may experience fear more acutely than those who feel in control, suggesting that fear is closely tied to one's ability to influence their surroundings.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, this quote could underscore the importance of empowerment.
At night, in the garden, it occurs to you that it might have been your heart that left you as you reached the capital. Your heart might not have travelled well, closed up in its cavity, quivering and gnawing at the bars of your ribcage during the commute. It might be tracking north now, along edgelands, past spoil-heaps and stands of pylons, under motorway passes, back to the higher ground. Back to him.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Flee the country where a lone man holds all power: It is a nation of slaves.
No clouds gathered in the skies and the polluted streams became clear, whilst celestial music rang through the air and the angels rejoiced with gladness. With no selfish or partial joy but for the sake of the law they rejoiced, for creation engulfed in the ocean of pain was now to obtain release.
Non-violence has suffered its biggest defeat in the hands of people who most want to talk about it.
Every good mathematician is at least half a philosopher, and every good philosopher is at least half a mathematician.
I have Algerian, Turkish, Swedish, Spanish blood: I feel like a citizen of the world. Life and cinema don't have borders.
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