"Fear comes from uncertainty. When we are absolutely certain, whether of our worth or worthlessness, we are almost impervious to fear"

Fear often thrives in the shadows of uncertainty. When people are unsure about themselves, their abilities, or their place in the world, anxiety and fear have the space to grow. Doubt acts as fertile ground for insecurity; it is the "not knowing" that gives rise to apprehension. When someone questions their value, their decisions, or their future, fear can follow closely behind, amplifying every misstep or unknown outcome into a source of dread. Uncertainty leaves the mind untethered, susceptible to imagining worst-case scenarios or fixating on possible rejection and failure.

On the other hand, certainty, no matter the direction, can form a powerful shield against fear. Someone absolutely convinced of their worth, confident in their abilities, or grounded in a strong sense of identity experiences a kind of immunity. With unshakable self-assurance, there is less space for fear to take root. Challenges become opportunities rather than threats, and setbacks are seen as lessons instead of confirmations of inadequacy. When certainty is positive, it fosters courage, resilience, and the willingness to face the unknown.

Interestingly, Congreve's words suggest that even negative certainty, the unwavering belief in one’s own worthlessness, can insulate a person from fear. If someone is convinced they have nothing to lose, fear may no longer have leverage. Complete resignation or detachment from hope can harden someone against anxiety or disappointment, though it may lead to passivity or despair. The point is that certainty, rightly or wrongly placed, is a stabilizing force.

The roots of fear are entwined not so much with what is real, but with what is unknown or uncertain. The mind craves solid ground, and whether it finds reassurance in self-esteem or even in self-denigration, certainty can be a balm to fear’s unrest. The challenge, then, is to seek true, healthy certainty, acknowledging one’s worth to lessen the hold fear can have over life.