"Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies' resources, and minimized their own"

When individuals are gripped by fear, their perception of reality shifts, distorting both external threats and internal strengths. Fear breeds pessimism, a mental state where every challenge appears insurmountable and potential solutions seem insufficient. The mind, overwhelmed by worst-case scenarios, loses its balance and objectivity, leading to the exaggeration of adversaries’ capabilities. An enemy, once regarded with a level head, suddenly seems omnipotent, possessing more resources, superior intellect, and limitless cunning. Such psychological magnification is not rooted in an actual shift in power, but rather in the deceits of a mind clouded by anxiety.

At the same time, fear works to diminish faith in one’s own resources, resilience, and capacity for action. Individuals or groups under its sway no longer see their strengths, achievements, or potential. Instead, they focus obsessively on their shortcomings, past failures, or possible flaws. The sense of agency, the belief in the ability to act effectively, is eroded. This one-two punch of overestimating others and underestimating oneself can create a paralyzing state, making action seem futile and inviting defeat even before the conflict has begun.

Historically, such psychological patterns have led entire societies, armies, or organizations to falter in moments of crisis. Rather than rallying their strengths and approaching challenges with a clear strategic mind, people become mired in self-doubt, miscalculating both their own position and their opponent’s. Often, these perceptions prove unfounded when later events reveal that the enemy was neither as strong nor as resourceful as initially believed, and that internal resources were greater than feared. The tragic irony is that fear shapes outcomes, not because external circumstances have changed, but because distorted perception reshapes choices, eroding resolve and turning imagined disadvantages into real setbacks.