The Bene Gesserit Secret: 5 Ways Kathy Bates Uses A 'Dune' Quote To Conquer Imposter Syndrome

The search for the "Kathy Bates Dune quote" is not about a forgotten film role, but a powerful, deeply personal revelation from the Oscar-winning actress about her ongoing battle with performance anxiety and imposter syndrome. Revealed in recent interviews, including an appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, Bates shared that she keeps a printed copy of the famous "Litany Against Fear" from Frank Herbert's *Dune* tucked into her script for the new CBS series, *Matlock*. The quote, a core tenet of the Bene Gesserit order in the *Dune* universe, serves as her daily mantra to manage the immense pressure and fear that comes with leading a major television reboot in her 70s, making this information current as of December 2025.

The veteran star, known for iconic roles that exude confidence and grit, admits that stepping into the shoes of the titular character, Madeline "Matty" Matlock, was a terrifying prospect. Her use of this science fiction maxim highlights a surprising connection between a classic literary work and the mental fortitude required for a demanding Hollywood career, proving that even the most accomplished actors need a secret weapon to face their fears.

Kathy Bates: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Kathleen Doyle Bates is one of the most respected and decorated actresses of her generation, celebrated for her versatility and ability to embody complex, formidable characters. Her career spans over five decades, encompassing extensive work on stage, screen, and television.

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• Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
• Born: June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee
• Education: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
• Breakthrough Role: Annie Wilkes in the 1990 film *Misery*, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
• Key Filmography Highlights: *Misery* (1990), *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), *Dolores Claiborne* (1995), *Titanic* (1997), *Primary Colors* (1998), *About Schmidt* (2002), *The Blind Side* (2009).
• Television Work: Known for her Emmy-winning work on *American Horror Story* and her current role as Madeline "Matty" Matlock in the *Matlock* reboot (premiering in 2024).
• Awards: Academy Award (1), Golden Globe Awards (2), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2), Primetime Emmy Awards (2).
• Current Project: Starring as Matty Matlock, a septuagenarian who rejoins the workforce at a prestigious law firm, in the CBS series *Matlock*.

The Litany Against Fear: The Full 'Dune' Quote That Fuels Her

The quote that Kathy Bates relies on is one of the most famous passages in science fiction literature: the Bene Gesserit's "Litany Against Fear." This mantra is taught to members of the powerful, secretive sisterhood in Frank Herbert's *Dune* universe as a psychological tool to maintain control and composure in the face of mortal danger or intense pressure. Bates specifically uses it to anchor herself before filming demanding scenes for *Matlock*.

The full, powerful text of the quote is:

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

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For Bates, the phrase "Fear is the mind-killer" is a particularly poignant reminder. She admitted that the pressure of leading a major network show, especially a reboot of a classic, brought on intense fear and the feeling of imposter syndrome—the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved.

The quote's structure is a masterclass in psychological self-management. It does not deny the existence of fear but acknowledges it ("I will face my fear"), allows it to be processed ("I will permit it to pass over me and through me"), and then asserts the ultimate permanence of the self ("Only I will remain"). This process is what Bates harnesses to step onto the set each day as the formidable Matty Matlock.

5 Ways the 'Litany Against Fear' Applies to Kathy Bates's Career and Life

The connection between a science fiction epic and a veteran actress's daily routine is more than just a quirky anecdote. It reveals a profound truth about the human condition, especially in high-stakes professions. Here are five key ways the *Dune* quote serves as a psychological tool for Kathy Bates and why it resonates with her new role.

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1. Battling Imposter Syndrome in a High-Profile Reboot

Despite her Academy Award and numerous accolades, Bates confessed to being "terrified" of taking on the *Matlock* reboot. The fear was rooted in the pressure of meeting expectations for a show that was beloved in its original run. The Litany Against Fear directly addresses this anxiety. By reminding herself that "Fear is the mind-killer," she actively prevents self-doubt from paralyzing her creative process. It allows her to focus on the work itself—the script, the scenes, the character—rather than the external noise of critical anticipation.

2. The Bene Gesserit Mindset of Control

The Bene Gesserit are masters of mind and body control, known for their ability to withstand immense pain and psychological duress. This mirrors the mental toughness required for a physically and emotionally demanding acting career, especially for a lead role in a network series. Bates’s character, Matty Matlock, is a sharp, determined woman who returns to the legal world in her 70s. This role demands a high level of mental acuity and resilience. By adopting the Bene Gesserit's philosophy, Bates channels a similar strength, allowing her to project the confidence and control necessary for the role of a brilliant lawyer.

3. Acknowledging Fear as a Natural Process

The quote is not about eliminating fear, which is impossible, but about processing it: "I will permit it to pass over me and through me." This is a crucial distinction. For an actor, fear can be a source of energy, a sign that the work matters. Bates's approach is a form of mindfulness—she acknowledges the fear, lets it flow through the performance, and then lets it dissipate. This prevents the fear from becoming a destructive force that "brings total obliteration" to her performance.

4. Drawing on the Endurance of Her Past Roles

Kathy Bates has a history of playing characters who overcome incredible obstacles, from the obsessive Annie Wilkes in *Misery* to the steadfast Molly Brown in *Titanic*. Each of these roles required a deep well of emotional endurance. The Litany Against Fear, which emphasizes that "Only I will remain" after the fear has passed, connects her current struggle to her past triumphs. It serves as a reminder that she has faced daunting roles before and her core talent and identity as an actress will always endure, regardless of the temporary feeling of panic.

5. The Power of a Daily Ritual and Mantra

By keeping the quote physically tucked into her script, Bates turns it into a tangible, daily ritual. This practice of repeating a mantra, whether for a Bene Gesserit acolyte or an acclaimed Hollywood actor, is a proven psychological technique for emotional regulation. It creates a moment of centering before the chaos of a film set begins. This simple, powerful act allows her to reset her focus, manage the stress of a long shooting day, and ensure that her performance is driven by her artistry, not her anxiety.

Topical Authority: The Intersection of Dune, Matlock, and Psychology

The "Kathy Bates Dune quote" is a fascinating cultural intersection, linking the philosophical depth of Frank Herbert's universe with the psychological reality of a modern acting career. *Dune* is celebrated for its exploration of human potential, particularly through the Bene Gesserit's rigorous training. The Litany Against Fear is arguably the most famous piece of wisdom from the entire series, a piece of motivational literature that transcends its science fiction origins.

For fans of *Matlock*, knowing that the star finds her strength in this unexpected place adds a layer of depth to the character of Matty Matlock. It suggests that the actress is bringing a profound, internal battle for composure to a role that requires external confidence. For those interested in mental health, Bates’s candid discussion about imposter syndrome, a common experience even among high-achievers, provides a powerful, actionable coping mechanism: finding your own personal "Litany Against Fear" to conquer the "mind-killer."

In conclusion, Kathy Bates's secret weapon is a testament to the enduring power of great literature. The quote is a reminder that fear is universal, but the tools we use to face it can be found in the most unexpected places—even in the pages of a classic science fiction novel.