Marianne Williamson Our Deepest Fear Full Quote
Have you heard the inspiring quote that starts with "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate"? This quote is widely attributed to Marianne Williamson, a spiritual teacher, author, and lecturer. The quote has been used in various contexts, from motivational speeches to self-help books, and it continues to resonate with many people.
The Full Quote
If you're not familiar with the full quote, here it is:
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's not just in some of us; it's 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.
This quote is often mistakenly attributed to Nelson Mandela, who actually used a slightly different version of it in his 1994 inaugural speech:
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. 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.
The Meaning Behind the Quote
So, what does this quote mean? At its core, it's a message about self-empowerment and the importance of shining your light in the world. The quote encourages us to embrace our own greatness and not be afraid to let it shine. It reminds us that we all have a unique contribution to make to the world, and that by embracing our own power, we can inspire others to do the same.
The quote also touches on the concept of fear and how it can hold us back. Many of us are afraid of our own greatness, whether it's because we don't want to stand out or we're afraid of what others might think. But the quote reminds us that we have nothing to fear, and that by embracing our own power, we can liberate ourselves and others.
Using the Quote in Your Life
If you find this quote inspiring, there are many ways to incorporate it into your life. Here are a few ideas:
- Write the quote down and place it somewhere you'll see it every day, like on your bathroom mirror or on your computer desktop.
- Repeat the quote to yourself when you're feeling afraid or unsure of yourself.
- Use the quote as a mantra during meditation or yoga.
- Share the quote with others who might need to hear its message.
Conclusion
Marianne Williamson's "Our deepest fear" quote is a powerful message about self-empowerment and the importance of shining your light in the world. The quote reminds us that we all have a unique contribution to make to the world, and that by embracing our own power, we can inspire others to do the same. By using this quote as a mantra or inspiration, we can all work towards creating a more empowered and enlightened world.
