Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
It was foolish indeed - thus to run farther and farther from all who could help her, as if she had been seeking a fit spot for the goblin creature to eat her in at his leisure; but that is the way fear serves us: it always sides with the thing we are afraid of.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fear can lead us to isolate ourselves from those who can help.
In this quote, George Macdonald illustrates the folly of allowing fear to dictate our actions. When we are afraid, we often distance ourselves from potential sources of support and assistance, much like running from danger, which only serves to empower the very fears we want to escape. Instead of seeking help, we may inadvertently provide more power to our fears by isolating ourselves, highlighting the importance of facing our fears with courage and seeking connection with others.
Themes
FearIsolationSupportCourageHelp
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, one might say, 'Remember, it was foolish to run from those who can help you, as fear always sides with what we are afraid of.'
More from George Macdonald
All quotes →It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them all— They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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