ABSTRACT
This qualitative research study was undertaken to begin a phenomenological exploration of the subjective experience of what is meant by the notion of 'fame'. It is here defined as being discussed or 'known' by strangers through report, reputation, media appearance, position or writing as a result of some achievement or accomplishment. The respondents were members of the therapy profession in one country considered as being 'renowned' or 'famous' in their disciplinary world. From the sixteen possibilities who were identified, eleven agreed to be interviewed. It was the assumption that as therapists, psychologists or psychoanalysts they could not only report, but also reflect psychologically on their own human experience of this phenomenon, as well as consider the effects of this factor on their therapeutic practices
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. We ask ourselves: 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people around you won't feel insecure. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us: it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others (from Nelson Mandela's Inaugural Speech, 1994).
