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.
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.
