Friday the 13th: Quotes on Fear

It’s Friday the 13th, and we’re thinking about phobias (what if my computer crashes and I haven’t saved recently?!), bad luck (we’ve seen all kinds) and superstitions (is it weird to open apps in the same order every day?).

We all remember the famous line spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his inaugural speech, “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself,” but there has been much said on the topic, so here are a few more:

ALBERT CAMUS:
Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.

ANNE FRANK:
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

BOB DYLAN:
I accept chaos. I am not sure whether it accepts me. I know some people are terrified of the bomb. But then some people are terrified to be seen carrying a Modern Screen magazine. Experience teaches us that silence terrifies people the most.

DOROTHY THOMPSON:
Fear grows in darkness; if you think there’s a bogeyman around, turn on the light.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT:
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

H. JACKSON BROWNE:
Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.

MARIE CURIE:
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON:
Don’t waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.

ROSA PARKS:
I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.

SHEL SILVERSTEIN:
The hens they all cackle, the roosters all beg,
But I will not hatch, I will not hatch.
For I hear all the talk of pollution and war
As the people all shout and the airplanes roar,
So I’m staying in here where it’s safe and it’s warm,
And I WILL NOT HATCH!

THOMAS JEFFERSON:
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.

WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE:
I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.

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Image credit: “The Scream” by Edvard Munch (1893)