It is as proper to have pride in oneself as it is ridiculous to show it to others.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It’s the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.
—Ask Ann Landers (1918–2002) American Advice Columnist
Great poetry is always written by somebody straining to go beyond what he can do.
—Stephen Spender (1909–95) English Poet, Critic
As is our confidence, so is our capacity.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
A man’s doubts and fears are his worst enemies.
—William Wrigley, Jr. (1861–1932) American Businessman
The confidence we have in ourselves arises in a great measure from that which we have in others.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth which constitutes self-respect is potentially to have everything: the ability to discriminate, to love and to remain indifferent. To lack it is to be locked within oneself, paradoxically incapable of either love or indifference.
—Joan Didion (1934–2021) American Essayist, Novelist, Memoirist
Believe that with your feelings and your work you are taking part in the greatest; the more strongly you cultivate this belief, the more will reality and the world go forth from it.
—Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926) Austrian Poet
Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
Calm self-confidence is as far from conceit as the desire to earn a decent living is remote from greed.
—Channing Pollock (1880–1946)
American Playwright, Critic
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined! As you simplify your life, the laws of the Universe will be simpler, solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
For they conquer who believe they can.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright
Self-trust is the first secret of success.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
It’s so important to believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it, under any circumstances. Because if you believe you can, then you really will. That belief just keeps you searching for the answers, and then pretty soon you get it.
—Wally Amos (b.1936) American Entrepreneur
Your success depends mainly upon what you think of yourself and whether you believe in yourself.
—William J. H. Boetcker (1873–1962) American Presbyterian Minister
Confidence imparts a wondrous inspiration to its possessor.—It bears him on in security, either to meet no danger, or to find matter of glorious trial.
—John Milton (1608–74) English Poet, Civil Servant, Scholar, Debater
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
In 40 hours I shall be in battle, with little information, and on the spur of the moment will have to make the most momentous decisions. But I believe that one’s spirit enlarges with responsibility and that, with God’s help, I shall make them, and make them right.
—George S. Patton (1885–1945) American Military Leader
If a man doesn’t delight in himself and the force in him and feel that he and it are wonders, how is all life to become important to him?
—Sherwood Anderson (1876–1941) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
Glamour is assurance. It is a kind of knowing that you are all right in every way, mentally and physically and in appearance, and that, whatever the occasion or the situation, you are equal to it.
—Marlene Dietrich (1901–92) German-American Film Actress, Cabaret Performer
One’s self-image is very important because if that’s in good shape, then you can do anything, or practically anything.
—John Gielgud (1904–2000) English Actor, Theatre Director
Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it.
—Stan Smith (b.1946) American Sportsperson
Search and you will find that at the base and birth of every great business organization was an enthusiast, a man consumed with earnestness of purpose, with confidence in his powers, with faith in the worthwhileness of his endeavors.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all costs of tedium and distaste. The gain in self-confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor is immense.
—Arnold Bennett (1867–1931) British Novelist, Playwright, Critic
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
They are able because they think they are able.
—Virgil (70–19 BCE) Roman Poet
Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
Once you get rid of the idea that you must please other people before you please yourself, and you begin to follow your own instincts—only then can you be successful. You become more satisfied, and when you are other people tend to be satisfied by what you do.
—Raquel Welch (b.1940) American Actress, Singer