“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, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”
Marianne Williamson
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Nice quote, and that you for sharing it. I thought you might be interested in knowing where it really came from. It is widely misattributed on the Web and elsewhere to Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inaugural address. A quick search through that very speech on the ANC’s official web site confirms that the quotation isn’t there (URL below).
As it turns out, the author of the quotation is Marianne Williamson, from her 1992 book, “Return to Love” (p. 165).
Just to be extra sure, I wrote to the ANC (info@anc.org.za) asking about this very quote, and their representative Duncan Harford confirmed my suspicions:
— begin include message —
From: “dharford”
To: “J. Finlayson-Fife”
Subject: Re: Our Deepest Fear
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 07:47:57 +0200
Hello John
We are aware that these words have for some years now been attributed to Nelson Mandela on the internet. We do not know how this happened
These words appear neither in the May 9, 1994 inaugural speech
(http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/.....augct.html),
nor the May 10, 1994 inaugural speech
http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/.....gpta.html),
nor any of the other speeches, statements and writings by Mr. Mandela
(http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/mandela/).
Regards
Duncan
— end included message —
Thanks John… I didn’t know this.
Actually I’m a big Marianne Williamson fan. I’ve seen her speak a few times and just didn’t know it was a quote from her.
Appreciate you taking the time to point out this error.
I’ve corrected the Quote above.
Thanks foir this great quote. It says so much about us.
I thought this has a Nelson Mandela quote as well… Good to know it’s true source…
very inspiring..
our deepest fear is not htat we are inadequate. our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. it is our light not our darkness that most frightens. we ask our selves who am i to be briliant gorgeous talented fabulous? actually who are you not to be. you are a child of god. your playing small does not serve teh world. there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that others won’t feel insecure around u. we are all meant to shine as children do. we were born to make manifest the glory of god tht is within us. its not just in some of us, its in everyone. and as we let our own light shime we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
good qoute and inspiring indeed
Maybe our deepest fear in this case is simply being misunderstood or misquoted. I have been inspired by the quote and in some ways it did not matter who uttered it. I thought it was from former President Nelson Mandela. I could imagine him saying it. I even believe he would say it. I had to google to find out where it was from and eventually read all of the pertinent speeches discovering it was Marianne Williamson.
I think it would be wonderful if former President Nelson Mandela could be persuaded to utter these words thus bringing everything full circle.
It reminds me of another fallacy which I have always found fascinating. The Hundredth Monkey phenomenon or hypothesis. I love the idea it represents. However the research it is extrapolated from shows that nothing of the kind happened from which to glean the hundredth monkey idea. Just another new age legend.
Can somebody tell the specific meaning of this quote, and how this helps you in your personal life? I am very interested in Nelson Mandella and wish to learn more about this quote.
It is my belief and understanding that the origins of this quote date back to the 16th Century. Although Marianne Williamson uses sections of this quote, as does Nelson Mandella, the original source is ancient. It is my pleasure to search again my books to make this clear.
Roberta,
Did you ever find the original source?
It is said that Nelson Mandela loved to read. It is believed that while in his prison cell, he was permitted to read one of the books in the Prison Library, or order the book from home.
He chose one of his favorite books by Marianne Williamson in the book RETURN TO LOVE. When he was released, and before he was put on the stand for his inaugural speech,he chose this paragraph from Marianne Williamson’s book, he thought it was the perfect way to make his speech.
Any more questions? Then go to wwww.fifa.com and ASK ABOUT IT
Hello 2010 World Cup South African Office:
I asked a question on Fifa.com, the question was:
“Who will win the World Cup?”
Your answer was:
“Hello Mr. Bejees
It is relevant that Spain will win the World Cup this year due to Holland’s violent fouls. We also determine that Spain will win because of the poor-judging referees this year. We sincerely appologize for foul football matches.
with regards
The World Cup Office”
They answered my question three days BEFORE the final match! Isn’t that amazing?!?!
I really believe what The 2010 World Cup South African Office said about Nelson Mandella is true.
I will never change my mind about Fifa.com’s securing and relevant answers.
Thank you very much 2010 World Cup South African Office
This is the most retarded quote ever. . . I have never feared being too good for any reason or at anything. Nor has any other human being I have ever met.