“Where there is reverence there is fear, but there is not reverence everywhere that there is fear, because fear presumably has a wider extension than reverence.”
- 470 BC – 399 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher
- Teacher of Plato, who contributed to the development of ethics and dialectics
Quote
“Where there is reverence there is fear, but there is not reverence everywhere that there is fear, because fear presumably has a wider extension than reverence.”
Explanation
In this quote, Socrates makes an important distinction between reverence and fear. He suggests that reverence, which is a deep respect or awe for something, always involves a form of fear, but not all forms of fear are rooted in reverence. Fear, according to Socrates, is a more general and expansive emotion that can arise in many situations, even where there is no deep respect or reverence for the object of fear. For example, people may fear danger or suffering without any sense of reverence towards the source of that fear. Reverence, on the other hand, is a more specific form of respect that is often associated with higher values, such as moral or spiritual principles, and is tied to fear that arises from a deep respect for the object of reverence, such as a divine being or a moral law.
Historically, Socrates distinguished between different kinds of fear and respect in his discussions of virtue and knowledge. He believed that fear should not be motivated solely by the avoidance of harm or suffering, but rather by an understanding of moral truth and the recognition of a higher order in life. Reverence for the divine or for wisdom, for example, would naturally involve a certain kind of fear—fear of wrongdoing, fear of losing one’s moral compass, or fear of not living according to divine or moral principles. But fear in general, such as the fear of physical harm, can exist without any connection to reverence.
In the modern world, this quote reminds us to consider the nature of our fears and where they come from. Not all fear is meaningful or connected to higher values. For instance, we may fear failure, rejection, or discomfort, but these fears do not necessarily reflect a deeper respect for any moral or spiritual principle. Socrates’ perspective encourages us to reflect on whether our fears are based on superficial concerns or are aligned with a higher purpose—respect for truth, wisdom, or moral integrity. When we cultivate a sense of reverence, we begin to fear not just physical or emotional harm, but the potential loss of what is most important in life: our values, our virtue, and our connection to higher principles.
