Our Deepest Fear
by Marianne Williamson
from A Return To Love: Reflections on
the Principles of A Course in Miracles
(See note below)
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
by Marianne Williamson
from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles,
Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3
Note: This is often found on the Internet incorrectly stated as a quote by Nelson Mandela from the Inauguration Speech, 1994. In the movie, Coach Carter (2005), "What is your deepest fear?" was asked throughout and answered at the end. Also, it was quoted in the movie, Akeelah and the Bee (2006).
This page was last updated on June 24, 2008