It is the fool who is haunted by fears, dread of dangers, oppression of mind, not the wise man.

This quote essentially speaks to the power and importance of wisdom in overcoming fear and anxiety. The ‘fool’ here represents an individual who allows their fears and worries to consume them, resulting in a state of constant worry, dread, and mental oppression. On the other hand, the ‘wise man’ symbolizes someone who has learned to manage these fears effectively through wisdom.

The idea is that a wise person understands that fear is often based on imagined scenarios or uncertainties about the future which may or may not happen. Therefore, they do not let these fears control their mental state or actions. Instead, they maintain a calm mind and focus on what they can control in the present moment.

The fool’s approach is counterproductive because it leads to stress and anxiety without resolving any issues. It prevents clear thinking and effective action as one gets trapped in negative thought patterns.

In today’s world where we are constantly bombarded with information – some real, some fake – this teaching holds great relevance. It encourages us not to be overwhelmed by our fears about things we cannot control such as global events or future uncertainties but instead focus on gaining wisdom through education, critical thinking skills, experience etc., which will help us navigate life more effectively.

On a personal development level too this concept can be very beneficial. Many times people hold themselves back due to fear of failure or rejection when pursuing their goals. But if one adopts the wise man’s approach then instead of being crippled by these fears one would see them as opportunities for learning and growth thus leading towards personal development.

Buddha’s quote teaches us that it is wiser to manage our fears rather than be controlled by them; this management comes from gaining knowledge & understanding (wisdom) rather than obsessing over things beyond our control.