Meaning & Analysis
Those who are feared by other people are, in turn, full of fear themselves.
Insights
Instability of Tyranny
The proverb serves as a commentary on the nature of authoritarian rule, suggesting that a leader who relies on intimidation is inherently insecure and must constantly fear plots and uprisings from those they oppress.
The Paranoia of Power
It illustrates the psychological burden of maintaining power through force. The 'feared man' is trapped in a cycle of paranoia, as the fear he projects onto others is reflected back, forcing him into a state of constant vigilance and anxiety.
Creating One's Own Enemies
The act of making others fearful inherently creates enemies. The proverb implies that a person who is widely feared is also widely disliked, and must therefore live in fear of retaliation from a multitude of adversaries.
The Paradox of Tyranny
This proverb encapsulates a timeless political and psychological truth, echoed in the Latin maxim 'Necesse est multos timeat quem multi timent' (He who many fear must himself fear many). It reflects the inherent instability of power maintained through intimidation, a theme central to the analysis of tyranny from classical philosophy to Shakespearean tragedy.
Psychology of Power
The proverb reveals a profound psychological insight: the external projection of fear is often a manifestation of internal insecurity. A person who rules by fear lives in a constant state of anxiety, anticipating betrayal and rebellion, thus becoming a prisoner of the very emotional climate they create.
Reciprocity of Fear
The statement speaks to the reciprocal nature of human emotions. By instilling fear in others, a leader erodes trust and fosters resentment, creating an environment where they are isolated and perpetually vulnerable to the animosity they have sown.
Rhetorical Devices
Paradox
The proverb's power lies in its paradoxical statement that a feared person is also fearful, subverting the common association of being feared with being powerful and fearless.
Polyptoton
The repetition of the root word 'fear' in two different forms ('feared', 'fearful') creates a memorable and resonant phrase that powerfully links the cause (being feared) with the effect (being fearful).
Conciseness
The concise, balanced structure gives the proverb an epigrammatic quality, making it a sharp, memorable, and impactful piece of wisdom.
Transcription
Quotations
He ought to feare manye, whome manye do feare.
He that will be feared, ought to feare also.
The Prince that is feared of many must of necessity fear many.
Hee that hateth all, shall bee hated of all.
Feared men be fearefull. Necesse est multos timeat quem multi timent.
Cross References
- See OTTO, no. 1785.
- S242 So many servants so many enemies.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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