He is a fool who looks at the fruit of lofty trees, but does not measure their height.
Quintus Curtius RufusRead
When the truth cannot be clearly made out, what is false is increased through fear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fear can distort perceptions of truth, leading to false beliefs.
This quote suggests that when the truth is obscured or unclear, people tend to fill the gaps with falsehoods, driven by fear. In times of uncertainty, the human tendency to fear the unknown leads to an increase in misguided beliefs and assumptions, highlighting the importance of seeking clarity and understanding.
Themes
TruthFearFalsehoodBeliefsPerception
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing fears and uncertainties.
More from Quintus Curtius Rufus
All quotes →A timid dog barks more violently than it bites. Curtius Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet
Quintus Curtius RufusRead
Similar quotes
It is only doubt that creates.
H. L. MenckenRead
He had grown used to the idea that Dumbledore could solve anything.
J. K. RowlingRead
I've gotten this advice at different times, and it distills down to one word: purpose. Why are you here? When you start to get distracted by thoughts such as 'Do I fit in? Does this person like me?' - remember why you're there and what you want to accomplish.
Mae JemisonRead
None of us can avoid being contaminated by the world's evils; it's all a matter of what attitude you take towards them.
Azar NafisiRead
You don’t question Providence. If you can’t have the reality, a dream is just as good.
Ray BradburyRead
There is an invisible strength within us; when it recognizes two opposing objects of desire, it grows stronger.
RumiRead