Fear

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.

Your playing small does not serve the world. 
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine as children do.
It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own lights shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Original writing of Marianne Williamson, in her book,
A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles".

Read by Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in 1994.
Popularized in the movie "Coach Carter".