What is a fear of living? It’s being preeminently afraid of dying. It is not doing what you came here to do, out of timidity and spinelessness. The antidote is to take full responsibility for yourself – for the time you take up and the space you occupy. If you don’t know what you’re here to do, then just do some good.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote explores the concept of the "fear of living" and the underlying reasons that prevent individuals from fully embracing and fulfilling their purpose in life. It suggests that this fear stems from an overwhelming fear of death, which leads to timidity and a lack of courage in pursuing one's true calling.
The quote implies that a fear of living manifests as a reluctance to take risks, an avoidance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone, and a failure to seize opportunities for personal growth and meaningful contributions. It highlights the negative impact of timidity and spinelessness on the fulfillment of one's potential and the realization of their purpose.
To counter this fear, the quote proposes taking full responsibility for oneself, embracing the time and space one occupies in the world. It emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment and personal agency in overcoming the fear of living. By taking ownership of our lives, we become active participants rather than passive bystanders, allowing us to transcend fear and take decisive action towards fulfilling our purpose.
Furthermore, the quote acknowledges that discovering one's purpose may not always be a clear-cut process. In such cases, it suggests that a meaningful approach is to focus on doing good. By engaging in acts of kindness, compassion, and making positive contributions to the world, individuals can find fulfillment and purpose, even if they haven't yet fully identified their ultimate calling.
Ultimately, this quote encourages us to reflect on our fears, challenge our timidity, and take responsibility for our lives. It reminds us that embracing our purpose requires courage, self-belief, and a willingness to take meaningful action. By doing so, we can break free from the fear of living and live a life of purpose, significance, and fulfillment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "What is a fear of living? It's being preeminently afraid of dying. It is not doing what you came here to do, out of timidity and spinelessness. The antidote is to take full responsibility for yourself - for the time you take up and the space you occupy. If you don't know what you're here to do, then just do some good." was said by Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that vividly illustrates the message of the quote comes from the life of the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh’s story is a profound testament to the idea of living fully despite the fear of death and the consequences of timidity.
Van Gogh's life was marked by a relentless struggle with mental illness and personal turmoil, which often left him on the brink of despair. He faced significant obstacles, including severe depression and a general lack of acceptance of his work during his lifetime. Despite these profound challenges and the ever-present specter of death, van Gogh chose to pour himself into his art with unwavering dedication.
His famous letters to his brother Theo reveal his deep understanding of his purpose and his drive to create, even when recognition and success were not forthcoming. In one of these letters, van Gogh wrote about his commitment to art as a form of personal expression and a contribution to the world, despite his personal struggles and the harsh realities of his circumstances.
Van Gogh’s willingness to face his fears and embrace his role as an artist, even when it seemed that his life might be cut short or go unrecognized, is a poignant illustration of the antidote to fear of living described in the quote. He took full responsibility for his art and his place in the world, dedicating himself to doing good in his unique way, which was to create beauty through his paintings.
Even though van Gogh only gained widespread recognition after his death, his life and work continue to inspire and remind us of the value of living authentically and courageously, despite the fear of death or failure.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying this quote in real life involves several actionable steps that focus on overcoming fear and embracing one’s true purpose.
Firstly, it's important to recognize and confront the fears that may be holding you back from living fully. For example, imagine you have always dreamed of starting your own business but are paralyzed by the fear of failure. The quote suggests that this fear is essentially a fear of mortality—an unwillingness to step out and seize the life you want because of a deep-seated anxiety about what might go wrong.
To counter this fear, you must take full responsibility for your actions and choices. This means acknowledging that your time and space in this world are limited and that you have a unique opportunity to make an impact. Instead of letting fear dictate your actions, you should focus on taking concrete steps toward your goals, no matter how small. For instance, you might begin by researching your market, networking with potential partners, or working on a business plan.
If you are unsure of your purpose or what exactly you are here to do, the quote suggests starting with doing some good. This could mean engaging in activities that contribute positively to others and to your community. Volunteering, helping a friend in need, or supporting a cause you believe in are all ways to live a life of purpose and impact, even if you haven’t yet defined your ultimate goals.
By actively choosing to engage with life and contribute meaningfully, you overcome the paralysis of fear and make the most of your time and space. It’s about embracing the moment and doing what you can with what you have, rather than letting fear of the unknown or the fear of failure keep you from living fully and authentically.
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.
