When the truth cannot be clearly made out, what is false is increased through fear.
Quintus Curtius RufusRead
A timid dog barks more violently than it bites. Curtius Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those who are timid often make loud threats but do little harm.
This quote highlights the tendency of timid or fearful individuals to be more vocal and aggressive in their threats than to follow through with actions. It suggests that bravado often comes from insecurity, and that often the loudest bark comes from those who are least likely to cause real harm.
Themes
TimidityBravadoFearAggressionThreats
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, one might say this quote to suggest that those who complain loudly often lack the capability to act.
More from Quintus Curtius Rufus
All quotes βHe is a fool who looks at the fruit of lofty trees, but does not measure their height.
Quintus Curtius RufusRead
Similar quotes
It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes.
Warren BuffettRead
Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting.
MahaviraRead
Loving-kindness and compassion are the basis for wise, powerful, sometimes gentle, and sometimes fierce actions that can really make a difference - in our own lives and those of others.
Sharon SalzbergRead
Ignorance of one's misfortunes is clear gain.
EuripidesRead
I once heard a theologian remark that in the Gospels people approached Jesus with a question 183 times whereas he replied with a direct answer only three times. Instead, he responded with a different question, a story, or some other indirection. Evidently Jesus wants us to work out answers on our own, using the principles that he taught and lived.
Philip YanceyRead
Thaw with her gentle persuasion is more powerful than Thor with his hammer. The one melts, the other breaks into pieces.
Henry David ThoreauRead