Current psychology of rationalizing fears and AWTEW

[bookburn]

I was reading "All's Well that Ends Well," and noticed the witty comment by Lafeu talking to Paroles at the start of scene III, act III:

"Laf.
They say miracles are past; and we have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Hence it is that we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge, when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear."

Paroles, who argues by echoing, says, "Why, 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that hath shot out in our later times."

[marc hanson]

"Laf.
They say miracles are past; and we have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Hence it is that we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge, when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear."
Paroles, who argues by echoing, says, "Why, 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that hath shot out in our later times."