Analysis of "our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate...." quote?

Question

The quote by Marianne Williamson,
“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 frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' 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 people won't feel insecure around you. 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 all of us. And when 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.”


can someone give me an analysis of it?! especially the beginning of it. I'm writing a paper on success and being afraid to be great.

Answer 1

This is a great quote and hard to analyse so i can see your reason for posting this question. I believe it means that people are not afraid that they can't do something, there are more afraid that they can do something, for in doing something it means that we will be vulnerable to failure and if we succeed then it means that have the ability and the responsibility to serve the world. Like the declaration of independence states that if you have the ability to do something, then you have the responsibility to do something.

Answer 2

I think this quote could be interpreted as talking about people's feelings of self-worth, and believing that they're genuinely entitled to success and happiness and a life of reward. I'm not talking about winning the lottery or becoming a movie star... but overcoming the perception that they will fail, when it's within them to succeed. Because, although perception is not truth, it's an incredibly powerful and life-defining force.

Why might someone be afraid to be great? Because, maybe related to this example anyway, the person believes that service, sacrifice and humility is only achieved by fading into the background and leaving the glory to others. However, this is a fallacy because the only way to affect the world is by being present... those who've had positive and profound effect throughout history could be considered successful and great; these shouldn't be viewed as negative or "worldly" terms.

These are just my thoughts on the subject. I know it's not easy writing a paper when you're dealing with the human psyche... good luck with it!

Answer 3

Our Deepest Fear Marianne Williamson

Answer 4

As a teacher, I see it in school in the child who refuses to work. He might be afraid to fail, but what if he did really well? He'd be *expected* to do well from then on. Things would change. He'd have to work harder, longer, in order to meet those new expectations. And if he fell, well - he'd fall from a greater height than before, and it would hurt a lot more. Most people's fear of power overcomes their desire for it. But "playing small" helps no one, least of all yourself. You can't do good in the world by playing small, by doing the minimum required. The best thing one can do is as Einstein said: find the job or task in life that is just barely within your reach - that makes you strive every day - that highlights your talents and abilities, while constantly making you stretch for more - and do it whole-heartedly. That's too hard for many people. But, as the last line says, when you see someone living that life, it changes you. You can't interact with someone like that and not feel any change; it's infectious. It means to be true to yourself, and unafraid of all that entails.

Answer 5

Marianne Williamson Our Deepest Fear

Answer 6

I agree with the message, but I don't agree with it's beginning. I've never met a person who didn't wish they were powerful beyond measure. I believe we all are already, and the potential that is meant to come out, will come out, forced from the growth made from resistance in everyday living. So in that sense, I agree. Especially with the part where he says that one unconsiously gives others permission to let their own lights shine when one does themselves. But I feel that although he's referring to people with low self esteem or low self confidence when he starts off, it's a shame for him to try to embody everyone as being such by assuming that that is our worst fear automatically.

Answer 7

Its a motivational tool to get us to not only think outside the square but beyond the boundries with our unlimitless potential, so we may strive to achieve our ultimate goals ... godliness ... to be next to God

The fear being thinking and staying within the square

Answer 8

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Our deepest fear is that we will be nothing. I have defeated that beast. i may not shine, but I will not fade