This quote speaks to the idea that there can be more harm or negativity caused by fear itself than by the thing one fears. Saint Teresa of Avila suggests that people who are overly afraid or obsessed with a particular fear, such as the devil, may actually cause more damage through their fear and paranoia than the actual entity they dread.
On a deeper level, this quote can be interpreted to highlight the dangers of excessive anxiety and superstition. Fear often manifests in ways that lead individuals to act irrationally or destructively, whereas facing one's fears head-on might help mitigate them. The quote also touches on the theme of balance—understanding the actual threat versus overreacting to perceived threats can foster a healthier mindset.
Saint Teresa of Avila was a 16th-century Spanish nun and mystic who played a significant role in the Catholic Church through her reform efforts within religious communities. She founded several convents, wrote extensively about spiritual matters, and is known for her influential work “The Interior Castle,” which delves into the inner life of the soul and its journey towards union with God.
