 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
There are various kinds of fear; of these, physical fear, which alone is traditionally despised, is by far the least harmful. Moral and intellectual fears are far worse. All fear inspires a greater or less degree of rage, which, since it dare not vent itself upon the dreaded object, finds an outlet in tyranny over whatever is weaker. Just as in the holders of power cruelty begets fear, so in their slaves fear begets cruelty. Fear of social disapproval is probably one of the chief causes of meanness and unkindness in the modern world.
Source: On the evils due to fear, 1929 * First published as 'If I Were a Preacher' in: The Grave Mistake of Inculcating Fear (The Daily Telegraph, London, 4 Jan.)
Reprinted In: If I were a Preacher (London, Cassell, 1929), pp.219?-230.
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