“The basis of optimism is sheer terror.”

“The reason we all like to think so well of others is that we are all afraid for ourselves. The basis of optimism is sheer terror.”

“The basis of optimism is sheer terror. We think that we are generous because we credit our neighbour with the possession of those virtues that are likely to be a benefit to us. We praise the banker that we may overdraw our account, and find good qualities in the highwayman in the hope that he may spare our pockets.”

“The terror of society, which is the basis of morals, the terror of God, which is the secret of religion-these are the two things that govern us.”

“...library terror - that feeling of being hopelessly overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of available books...”

“Ah, my old friend, anxiety-throwing itself into the blender with sheer terror and embarrassment.”