What does this quote mean? "Our deepest fear.."?

Question

"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. "

I heard that in a movie (Coach Carter) and I was wondering what that really means?

Answer 1

I love that quote and it means something special to me, but what it means to me may not be the same as what it would mean to you. Here's what you should do: read the quote over a few times, then if you still are lost, re-write the quote in other words for example in the last line, write something to the effect of and when we let go of fear it frees others. Just use synonyms and it will be easier. Use a dictionary for words, that is really helpful.

Answer 2

We must, each of us, realize and use our personal power. Our drive  to succeed, our will to prevail, and every talent we possess must be brought out so that we present to the world our best possible self. This demonstration of a secure and capable soul will  strengthen and inspire others to better themselves. We must not fear ourselves, we must not fear failure, we must eradicate mediocrity.

Answer 3

Honestly, the quote isn't something easily explained.  You pretty much either get it or you don't.  

Deep down, each of us finds comfort in believing that our lives don't matter, or that everything is beyond our control.  At some point, we all "grow up" and impose limitations on ourselves;  while our capacities are in reality limited, most of us live far within the real limitations, bounded by those we impose on ourselves which we create and accept in order to fit in with those around us.  

When we break those barriers, others may follow and break their own.