“Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.”
Explanation
This quote defines confidence as an essential psychological state that enables a person to pursue lofty and virtuous goals. Cicero highlights that confidence is not arrogance or blind optimism, but rather a measured trust in one’s own abilities, rooted in reason and moral intention. The phrase “great and honorable courses” implies that true confidence propels individuals toward noble endeavors, not selfish ambition, and that such pursuits are grounded in integrity and purpose.
In Cicero’s philosophical and rhetorical works, the cultivation of inner strength and virtue was paramount. He believed that moral courage and intellectual clarity were necessary for both private character and public leadership. Confidence, as he frames it here, is an inner alignment of reason, courage, and ethical resolve, enabling individuals to meet challenges without fear or hesitation. It is a quality admired in orators, statesmen, and philosophers alike.
Today, this understanding of confidence remains valuable in a world that often confuses it with bravado or self-promotion. True confidence enables people to pursue justice, innovation, or leadership with humility and conviction. It supports resilience in adversity and fosters initiative in service of higher ideals. Cicero’s words remind us that real confidence is both ethical and empowering, allowing the mind to act with clarity and faith in its own worth.
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