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Editorial
April 6, 1950
The Potters Herald
East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio
What is this article about?
Editorial by Ruth Taylor warns of fear as a destructive force more dangerous than bombs, urging Americans to overcome post-war fears, act constructively, and cooperate to build a stronger nation through patience and thrift.
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THE DANGER OF FEAR
By RUTH TAYLOR
Fear is the most dangerous bomb ever invented, a weapon far
more deadly than any created by the cunning of the scientist in his
laboratory. No man knows when or how it will explode, nor how great
will be the devastation wrought—because its field of operation is the
unpredictable mind of man.
Fear is a lack of knowledge. It is the desperate rebellion of the
mind against the unknown. The danger of fear is that the frightened
person reacts against things too quickly. He is too easily startled. He
is not held by conviction. He moves before he thinks.
Frightened people are afraid of what their opponent may do, and,
oftentimes, they bring on what they fear by too sudden action. Frightened
people do not act constructively but destructively. They are
against—they have not yet found out what they are for.
We have learned the bitter lesson of what frightened people have
cost through panic in times of crises. That fear was a deliberate weapon
of our enemies during the war was proven in the stampedes of
peoples which helped pave the way for invasion overseas. We have
seen here at home—far too often—the attempts of subversive elements
to incite trouble, to stir up fears of class, creed and color.
The most crucial days in the history of our republic lie ahead of
us. We won a war—but can we win over ourselves? Will we let the
impatience of fear sabotage our high ideals—or will we be equal to
the days ahead?
We must face the future fearlessly. We must put our abilities to
work. We must care as much for the poor, the friendless, the sick,
and the homeless as we do in times of disaster. We must apply the
lessons of thrift we have learned in our own homes, to the management
of our public affairs. We as Americans must help build up our nation,
not sit on the sidelines and criticize the actions of others. Our own
system, imperfect as it is, has still given us more than any other system
of government in the world. It can do more—but only through
the willing, patient, fearless cooperation of each of us as individuals.
By RUTH TAYLOR
Fear is the most dangerous bomb ever invented, a weapon far
more deadly than any created by the cunning of the scientist in his
laboratory. No man knows when or how it will explode, nor how great
will be the devastation wrought—because its field of operation is the
unpredictable mind of man.
Fear is a lack of knowledge. It is the desperate rebellion of the
mind against the unknown. The danger of fear is that the frightened
person reacts against things too quickly. He is too easily startled. He
is not held by conviction. He moves before he thinks.
Frightened people are afraid of what their opponent may do, and,
oftentimes, they bring on what they fear by too sudden action. Frightened
people do not act constructively but destructively. They are
against—they have not yet found out what they are for.
We have learned the bitter lesson of what frightened people have
cost through panic in times of crises. That fear was a deliberate weapon
of our enemies during the war was proven in the stampedes of
peoples which helped pave the way for invasion overseas. We have
seen here at home—far too often—the attempts of subversive elements
to incite trouble, to stir up fears of class, creed and color.
The most crucial days in the history of our republic lie ahead of
us. We won a war—but can we win over ourselves? Will we let the
impatience of fear sabotage our high ideals—or will we be equal to
the days ahead?
We must face the future fearlessly. We must put our abilities to
work. We must care as much for the poor, the friendless, the sick,
and the homeless as we do in times of disaster. We must apply the
lessons of thrift we have learned in our own homes, to the management
of our public affairs. We as Americans must help build up our nation,
not sit on the sidelines and criticize the actions of others. Our own
system, imperfect as it is, has still given us more than any other system
of government in the world. It can do more—but only through
the willing, patient, fearless cooperation of each of us as individuals.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Fear
Post War
Cooperation
Morality
Panic
Subversion
American Ideals
What entities or persons were involved?
Americans
Our Enemies
Subversive Elements
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Dangers Of Fear In Post War Society
Stance / Tone
Exhortation To Fearless Cooperation
Key Figures
Americans
Our Enemies
Subversive Elements
Key Arguments
Fear Is More Deadly Than Any Bomb As It Operates Unpredictably In The Human Mind
Fear Stems From Lack Of Knowledge And Leads To Hasty, Destructive Reactions
Frightened People Bring On Feared Outcomes Through Sudden Actions
Fear Was Used As A Weapon By Enemies During The War, Causing Panic And Invasions
Subversive Elements Incite Fears Of Class, Creed, And Color At Home
Post War America Must Overcome Fear To Uphold Ideals And Build The Nation
Apply Thrift And Care For The Vulnerable In Public Affairs
Cooperate Patiently And Fearlessly To Improve The American System