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Imaginary evils soon become real one by indulging our reflections on them.
John Ruskin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Focusing on negative thoughts can transform them into real problems.

This quote by John Ruskin highlights the danger of dwelling on negative thoughts or imaginary fears. When we continuously reflect on what might go wrong or our worries, we inadvertently give them more power and influence over our lives, making them seem more real and overwhelming than they might actually be.

Themes

ThoughtsFearReflectionNegativityImagination

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech, one might say, 'Remember, as John Ruskin said, 'Imaginary evils soon become real by indulging our reflections on them.' Let's focus on positivity.

More from John Ruskin

Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
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In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
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You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
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To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
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A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
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