"“He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.”

[All Along The Watchtower]

Attributed to Michael de Montaigne.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Can relate, yeah.

[Sestak]

Agree completely tbh.

[TJ in Oregon]

Yeah, fear is usually worse than whatever we're afraid of.

Technically I would still disagree with the literal meaning of the words in the statement, however, since fear itself is still distinct from its object. But I don't think that's quite what it's going for.

[Ban my account ffs!]

While never 100% the truth, we generally create our own prisons and lock ourselves in. 

Shame is something we do either way too much or in some rare circumstances, way too little.

Guilt is about something you *did*.  Shame is about something you *are*.  Take responsibility for your negative actions, but don't succumb to the temptation to enter the prison of shame and self loathing.

The premise of my post accepts the truth of the original quote that started this thread because I see it in myself and in others all the time.  The outcome of this quote is the ever-present "self fulfilling prophecy".  Why not fight against it and learn to accept when it happens anyway.  It's easier than fearing it and making sure your fear happens every time.

[Beet]

It is an interesting perspective, but by implication (although not literally) it gives too much power to the fearer - there is a temptation to think that you can escape simply by ceasing to fear, or that your fear is your own fault, rather than a rational reaction to past events. There's not as much of a gap between this seemingly profound quote by a French philosopher from centuries ago and aww-shucks pull yourself up by your bootstraps Americanism that you can buy off Wal-Mart today.

[RFayette 🇻🇦]

Can relate, yeah.

[dead0man]

Sure, the spirit of it is spot on.  It's better to not be so fearful you're afraid to ask the girl out, your boss for a raise or get on that roller coaster with your buddies.  But the first 10,000 miles you're in charge of a large moving chunk of steel, it's good to be a little fearful, it keeps you on your toes, keeps you attentive.  It's why evolved to have it.  There is nothing wrong with fear or being fearful, but like every other funking thing, only in moderation.  If you're always fearful, whether it be because your head is making sh**t up or actual, honest to God good reasons to feel it, it's going to mess your brain up.  Just like if you're always "up" or always depressed or whatever.  If you're riding one emotion >80% of the time, you're brain is going to get broke.

[°Leprechaun]

Amor OMNIA Vincit