I felt that the world itself had changed and that it would never be steady under my feet again. I felt I understood nothing of people and had no way to learn. I felt fear. Until you have felt fear, you cannot imagine it. Once you have really felt it, you know that all your earlier nervousness was but a pale shadow.
The quote reflects a profound sense of transformation and disorientation experienced by the speaker. They express a feeling of instability in the world around them, suggesting that a significant shift has occurred in their perception of life. This realization brings about a deep misunderstanding of people, leading to a sense of isolation and helplessness.
Additionally, the speaker articulates a powerful recognition of fear, distinguishing it from mere nervousness. They imply that true fear is a profound experience that changes one's understanding of the world. Once confronted with genuine fear, all previous anxieties seem trivial by comparison, underscoring the intensity of their emotional journey.
