Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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Fear
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“Two men. I had just killed two men. A killing machine, I hadn't even hesitated. Fear and rage settled deep in my chest, forming a layer of ice around my heart.”
Maria V. Snyder (born 1969) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Your fear remains strong. You are not ready to face your story, preferring instead to surround yourself with knots. Someday, they will strangle you.”
Maria V. Snyder (born 1969) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We are determined to protect our freedom of speech and the right to speak our minds without fear of the politically correct thought-police knocking on our doors.”
Gerard Batten (born 1954) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: UKIP aiming to be 'radical, populist' party - Gerard Batten BBC News (21 September 2018)
“A geyser of anxiety had erupted deep inside me and I was spurting fear.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (born 1977) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Forget Fear, Do Something Different.”
“I don't fear death. I try to avoid it — as I think we all do. But I suspect that in the end I will welcome it. … I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye. And I want to earn it. … I want to earn the privilege of not being here. … I'm not galloping towards it.”
Tim Curry (1946–2026) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with Ben Mankiewicz on CBS Sunday Morning (19 October 2025)
“Let us remember that those who kill innocent victims do not do so simply because they wish them dead -- terrorism is about killing a few to strike fear into many. Terrorism is a form of activism coupled with narcissism.”
Marc Randazza (born 1969) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So great was the faith of the Sultan in the Abbasid Khalifas," says he, "that he would have sent all his treasures in Delhi to Egypt, had it not been for the fear of robbers.”
Muhammad bin Tughluq (1290–1351) said by 1351 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ziyauddin Barani, quoted from Lal, K. S. (1999). Theory and practice of Muslim state in India. New Delhi: Aditya Prakashan. Chapter 5. Also quoted in Robert Spencer, The history of Jihad, 2018.
“Write as if thou wert alone in the universe and hadst nothing to fear from the jealousies and prejudices of the people. Otherwise thou wilt miss thy purpose.”
Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709–1751) said by 1751 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Preface, Oeuvres philosophiques de Monsieur de La Mettrie (1764) as quoted by Paul Carus, The Mechanistic Principle and the Non-mechanical (1913) p. 102.
“The relation of the authority of Jesus Christ to the authority of culture is such that every Christian must often feel himself claimed by the Lord to reject the word and its kingdoms with their pluralism and temporalism, their makeshift compromises of many interests, their hypnotic obsession by the love of life and the fear of death.”
H. Richard Niebuhr (1894–1962) said by 1962 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In the countries of the ancient world, even before the formation of the empire, slavery was the basis of society. In each was a capitalist class and a slave class. The capitalists, however, were constantly in fear of slave insurrection. The dread clouded their sunshine by day, and nightmared their sleep; for they saw, piling up against them, a discontent hell-deep and heaven-high.”
Bouck White (1874–1951) said by 1951 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I say if your fear of criticism is stronger than your desire for success, you've failed in thought, long before action.”
Cha Cha (rapper) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Master said, [...] "Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles." [...] "Have no friends not equal to yourself." [...] "When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.”
James Legge (1815–1897) said by 1897 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I think I have spoken enough to you about serious things; which is why I speak [now] of something to which I attribute great value, still too little appreciated — gaiety. It is gaiety, basically, that allows us to have no fear before the problems of life and to find a natural solution to them.”
Sophie Taeuber-Arp (1889–1943) first seen 1937 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In a letter of Taeuber-Arp, 1937, to a goddaughter on the occasion of her confirmation; as quoted in Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Carolyn Lanchner; Museum of Modern Art, 1981, p. 18 ISBN 0870705989
“To fear a truth! Blasphemy!”
Jaroslav Kalfař (born 1988) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He felt a trickle of cold fear in the depths of his belly, a dread that he was going to get his wish.”
K. A. Bedford (born 1963) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I knew if I quit, nobody would ever believe that women had the capability to run 26-plus miles. If I quit, everybody would say it was a publicity stunt. If I quit, it would set women’s sports back, way back, instead of forward. If I quit, I’d never run Boston. If I quit, Jock Semple and all those like him would win. My fear and humiliation turned to anger.”
Kathrine Switzer (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A brave man is one who admits his fear. Only a fool believes himself invincible.”
Robert Asprin (1946–2008) said by 2008 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We all have different domestic issues, but at the core you see a deep sense of uncertainty and fear among citizens.”
Jacinda Ardern (born 1980) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jacinda Ardern on Empathy, World Leaders Today, and Her Intimate New Documentary Time (September 29, 2025)
“If he bears me a grudge because of his poor command of troops he shows that he lacks greatness of spirit and deserves to be treated as a little man. But if he has allowed himself to reflect calmly and to examine himself a little, he cannot but be grateful to me and tell himself that I acted without fear and did my duty. Then one could say: there is nobility in him after all.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 8 October 1890, commenting on the imperial field maneuvers of that year, when Waldersee defeated the formations commanded by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
“Fear only goes as far as belief.”
Marcus Orelias (born 1993) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Orchard of the strangest fruits Hanging from the skies; Brothers, yet insensate brutes Who fear each others’ eyes.”
Elinor Wylie (1885–1928) said by 1928 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I, I've got no fear of flyin' high 'Cause high above the rainbow, my sun's gonna shine And nothing can happen as long as you're mine So I'll make my landing alive”
Kenneth Gärdestad (1948–2018) first seen 1979 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: English version of "Satellit" (non-album song representing Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979), lyrics written by Kenneth
“But with a phone call I can understand your mood, your emotions. With an email I can’t. When speaking I can understand if you have a problem in an instant. I understand your fear. But I can begin to cultivate a hope with you.”
Brunello Cucinelli (born 1953) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Only the democratic struggle of the people for their own freedom will free Turkey from authoritarianism and fear and free its s — the judiciary and the press — from tutelary control by the government.”
Selahattin Demirtaş (born 1973) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I do not like praises and honours Nor did I fear disdain I just stayed away. My mind, clear water, My body bound and tied For three years in Chang'an. I sing what I feel in songs In straight words, undecorated.”
Sesson Yūbai (1290–1347) said by 1347 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From: Bingatshū, as cited in: Katō, Shūichi. A History of Japanese Literature: From the Man'yōshū to Modern Times, 1997. p. 105.
“We must finally see an end to cruel and inhumane conversion therapies, which have been allowed to spread fear and hatred in our society for far too long.”
Dawn Butler (born 1969) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Ashley Cowburn "Gay conversion therapy should be made illegal in LGBT action plan, Labour tells Theresa May" (2 July 2018).
“You have heard and know the nobleness of Indians - they fear not death or destruction… In affairs of honour and renown we would place ourselves upon the fire like roast meat, and upon the dagger like the sunrays.”
Jayapala (964–1001) said by 1001 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Message to Subuktigin, in Utbi, Kitab Yamini. quoted in Misra, R. G. (2005). Indian resistance to early Muslim invaders up to 1206 A.D. p.41
“The original aim of taking the jizya from [unbelievers] is for their degradation and this degradation [ought to be] to the extent that they cannot wear nice clothing for fear of the jizya ... and that they are always fearful and trembling ....”
Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624) said by 1624 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: quoted in Neale, Harry S. (2017). Jihad in Premodern Sufi Writings. p 68 ff.
“The real purpose in levying jizya on them (the non-Muslims) is to humiliate then to such an extent that, on account of fear of jizva, they may not be able to dress well and to live in grandeur. They should constantly remain terrified and trembling. It in intended to hold them under contempt and to uphold the honour and might of Islam.”
Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624) said by 1624 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Many of us were taught not to tattle. It was a culture of silencing and that was normalized. I urge all of us to not only support survivors and bystanders, who are brave enough to tell their truth, but to promote restorative justice. May we also please protect and employ them. May we teach our children that speaking out without the fear of retribution, is our culture’s new North Star.”
Laura Dern (born 1967) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted on the broadcast of the 75th Golden Globe Awards, NBC (7 January 2018)
“Now that the Arabs are among the economic masters of the world I fear that many will find unendurable the boredome of their wealth.”
Wilfred Thesiger (1910–2003) said by 2003 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If Germany were to become Bolshevik we would be absolutely delighted. We wish it with all our heart. France has never been secure except when anarchy ruled in Germany... From a Bolshevished Germany, we would no longer have to fear what we underwent in 1870 and 1914.”
Jacques Bainville (1879–1936) first seen 1918 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Action Française (1–11 December 1918), quoted in William R. Keylor, Jacques Bainville and the Renaissance of Royalist History in Twentieth-Century France (1979), p. 131
“In countries where, as in France, there is still an agricultural population and a majority of propriétaires, one need not fear social subversion.”
Jacques Bainville (1879–1936) first seen 1926 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: La Liberté (17 December 1926), quoted in William R. Keylor, Jacques Bainville and the Renaissance of Royalist History in Twentieth-Century France (1979), p. 184
“Those who fear woman’s incapacity to cope with the trials of life, should consider what is now actually thrust upon her by existing customs.”
Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826–1898) said by 1898 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Division is the work of human pride, hate, lust, fear, greed. Division is the trademark of materialism.”
Frank Buchman (1878–1961) first seen 1947 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remaking the World: The Speeches of Frank N.D. Buchman, Blandford Press 1947, revised 1958, p. 166
“No government demands so much from the citizen as Democracy and none gives back so much. Any free people that has responded to the call of duty and come out of a terrible ordeal unshaken in courage, undimmed in vision, with its vital force still fresh and strong, need not fear to face the future.”
James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce (1838–1922) first seen 1921 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chapter LXXX 'The Future of Democracy' In Modern Democracies (London: The Macmillan Company, 1921), vol. 2, pp. 608-609. Gold painted inscription of the first sentence on the North Wall of the Los Angeles City Hall.
“The Mirat-i-Ahmadi commented that the open worship of the Jain murtis, “... mark(ed) the weakness of Islam and the decline of religious zeal.” Shantidas’s descendants obtained permission to bring those images on carts into the city, and installed them in an underground temple. The temple had long existed, and Jains used to worship there “secretly for fear of the Musalmans”.”
Shantidas Jhaveri (1580–1659) said by 1659 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Mirat-i-Ahmadi in Commissariat 1987: 60 quoted from Jain, M. (2019). Flight of deities and rebirth of temples: Espisodes from Indian history. 182-7
“my biggest fear is that theres an earth quake while im jacking off and little pieces of cum start flyiyng into my mouth and all over my dog”
“My Children, you are unaware of the battle that rages around you. Both secretly and openly do the dark forces fight. Your spirit, like a dam, is lashed by the waters. Your heart unfolds and will be flooded with knowledge. Fear not, O heart, you will conquer! (117)”
Helena Roerich (1879–1955) said by 1955 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Depression is the enemy of each improvement. There can be no constructive building in doubt. There will be no learning under fear. Observation is a step toward justice. Selfhood is betrayal of self-renunciation. Without achievement there is no path.”
Helena Roerich (1879–1955) said by 1955 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The religion of thousands consists in clinging to an idea; they are happy in their sloth.... many would observe silence from fear of fanatics.”
Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak (1551–1602) said by 1602 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ain-i-Akbari. Quoted in Lal, K. S. (2001). Historical essays. New Delhi: Radha.(II.203)
“I am fascinated by the fear of terrorism in Poland, when people die on the roads every day – and every year there are thousands of people who lose their lives in a very stupid way.”
Tomasz Vetulani (born 1965) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: There is no threat. Weapons and colour, video, Galeria Olympia, 23 November 2017 (in Polish)
“When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I’m from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?”
Jamal Khashoggi (1958–2018) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Saudi Arabia wasn’t always this repressive. Now it’s unbearable." in The Washington Post (18 September 2017)
“The political and economic transformation which will be initiated as a result of Maitreya’s and the Masters’ presence will free humanity from age-old inhibitions and limitations, and galvanize it into a great leap forward in consciousness. Conscious, meaningful living will replace the present confusion, doubt and fear. p. 304”
Benjamin Creme (1922–2016) said by 2016 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Many await My Coming with reverence and also with some fear. This is inevitable. My Coming will mean the end of the old order of things. All that is useless, no longer serving the purposes of man, can now be discarded. This will cause many to grieve but so it must be. My friends, My children, I am here to show you that there exists for man a most marvelous future.”
Benjamin Creme (1922–2016) said by 2016 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So in summary you can see that in my experience there has been no sudden blast of enlightenment, no blinding light such as Paul of Tarsus experienced on the Damascus road. Rather I have experienced a series of smaller steps, some taken with no hesitation, others with some fear and trembling.”
Howard Ray Carey wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[W]e have become so beset with ambient fear in recent decades that Donald Trump’s rise to the White House would be inexplicable without it. Too many people, abetted by the media, focus on the man: That’s a mistake. The proper focus needs to be on what has happened to our culture that has allowed a man like that to become President—and what it may lead to next.”
Adam Garfinkle (born 1951) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“GOP & Trump Are Using Fear & Rhetoric Because They Have Nothing Else to Run On - Even republicans know the tax cut is a scam & want Medicare-For-All”
Thom Hartmann (born 1951) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Twitter post (1 November 2018)
“My strength doesn't come from a lack of fear but from an overpowering sense of moral outrage.”
Ilhan Omar (born 1982) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source