Fear is static that prevents me from hearing myself.

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Samuel Butler, the English writer and philosopher best known for his satirical novels, such as Erewhon and The Way of All Flesh.

“Fear is static that prevents me from hearing myself.”
— Samuel Butler

Context and Background

Samuel Butler’s quote reflects his philosophical and introspective approach to life. Known for his critique of societal norms and human behavior, Butler often explored themes of self-awareness, freedom, and the obstacles to personal growth. In this particular quote, Butler uses "static" as a metaphor for the disturbance or noise caused by fear, which prevents a person from connecting with their true thoughts, desires, and inner voice.

Interpretation

• “Fear is static” — here, fear is compared to interference or noise that disrupts clear thinking. It clouds judgment and prevents one from hearing their true inner voice.

• “That prevents me from hearing myself” — implies that fear doesn’t just block external communication or goals; it prevents self-reflection and personal understanding, essentially making it difficult to listen to one's intuition and deeper self.

Summary

Samuel Butler’s quote highlights the paralyzing effect of fear on self-awareness. He suggests that in order to truly understand oneself and make sound decisions, it’s essential to overcome fear and clear the mental noise that prevents introspection and clarity. For Butler, fear stands as a barrier to personal freedom and true self-understanding.