Men, at some time, are masters of their fates.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
You cannot consistently perform in a manner which is inconsistent with the way you see yourself.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
Confidence, in conversation, has a greater share than wit.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I shall have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
No human being can really understand another, and no one can arrange another’s happiness.
—Graham Greene (1904–91) British Novelist, Playwright, Short Story Writer
The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions.
—William F. Scolavino
He who fears he shall suffer already suffers what he fears.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
No one can really pull you up very high—you lose your grip on the rope. But on your own two feet you can climb mountains.
—Louis Brandeis (1856–1941) American Jurist
Our self-conceit sustains, and always must sustain us.
—Samuel Butler
The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
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
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
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
People who have given us their complete confidence believe that they have a right to ours. The inference is false, a gift confers no rights.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, “Make me feel important.” Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.
—Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001) American Entrepreneur, Businessperson
Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own.
—Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) French General, Statesman
Pay no attention to what the critics say. A statue has never been erected in honor of a critic.
—Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) Finnish Composer
Immense power is acquired by assuring yourself in your secret reveries that you were born to control affairs.
—Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) Scottish-American Industrialist
People are slow to claim confidence in undertakings of magnitude.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
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
The best bet is to bet on yourself.
—Arnold Glasow (1905–98) American Businessman
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
Perhaps I am stronger than I think.
—Thomas Merton (1915–68) American Trappist Monk
He has not learned the first lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers—you can blame anyone, but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you want to change, you’re the one who has got to change. It’s as simple as that, isn’t it?
—Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003) American Actor, TV Personality
Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look there.
—Marcus Aurelius (121–180) Emperor of Rome, Stoic Philosopher
People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.
—Sa’Di (Musharrif Od-Din Muslih Od-Din) (c.1213–91) Persian Poet
I have the most perfect confidence in your indiscretion
—Sydney Smith (1771–1845) English Clergyman, Essayist, Wit
We can be thankful to a friend for a few acres, or a little money; and yet for the freedom and command of the whole earth, and for the great benefits of our being, our life, health, and reason, we look upon ourselves as under no obligation.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is to you.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher