Fear seems to have many causes. Fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of being hurt, and so on, but ultimately all fear is the ego’s fear of death, of annihilation. To the ego, death is always just around the corner. In this mind-identified state, fear of death affects every aspect of your life.

What's the meaning of this quote?

Quote Meaning: This quote dives into the roots of fear, attributing it ultimately to our ego's dread of nonexistence or annihilation. While on the surface, we may fear specific outcomes or events such as failure, rejection, or pain, beneath these fears lies a deeper existential dread. The ego, our sense of self, clings to its existence and identity, perceiving death as its ultimate enemy. This perspective can make life a constant battlefield, where every loss, failure, or hurt feels like a brush with death, amplifying fear and anxiety. The quote invites us to recognize this ego-driven fear and invites us to consider the possibility of transcending it, perhaps by embracing impermanence or cultivating a sense of self not rooted in the ego.

Who said the quote?

The quote "Fear seems to have many causes. Fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of being hurt, and so on, but ultimately all fear is the ego's fear of death, of annihilation. To the ego, death is always just around the corner. In this mind-identified state, fear of death affects every aspect of your life." was said by Eckhart Tolle (Bio / Quotes). Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher and author who is best known for his book "The Power of Now.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.