The other day, someone said to me, “Hate is just the worst emotion there is. It’s so destructive and evil.”

And it got me thinking.

Yes, it’s true-when we’re filled with hate, we can be incredibly hurtful, even cruel.
But what if hate isn’t actually running the show?
What if there’s something underneath it?
Something quieter, but even more powerful?

What if the real driver of hate… is fear?

Fear is what makes hate so intense. So sharp. So cruel.
Without fear, there wouldn’t be hate.

We only feel hate when we’re afraid.
Afraid of losing something important.
Afraid of not getting what we believe we need.
Afraid of being judged, rejected, replaced, left out.

Try this:
Imagine a group of people is getting something you long for - attention, security, success, belonging.
Now imagine their gain means there’s somehow less left for you.

What happens in your body?
Can you feel the resentment rise?
Maybe even a flicker of hate?

Look just beneath that.
Can you see the fear hiding there?

That’s what hate is-a reaction to fear we don’t even see.

So the next time you feel a strong negative reaction toward someone-or even toward yourself-
Pause. Just for a second.
And gently ask yourself:
What am I afraid of right now?