Mindset essential for achieving great things

Author: Xu Guangyao / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: Believing in one's ability to achieve great things is a mark of extraordinary confidence. The British poet Wordsworth had no doubt about his place in history and was not ashamed to discuss it, nor did he fail to anticipate his future fame. Once, when Caesar encountered a storm at sea, the helmsman grew very worried, but Caesar said, "What are you worrying about? You are with Caesar." Fate has arranged a place for us in the social hierarchy, and to prevent us from falling before we reach it, it keeps us filled with hope for the future. For this reason, those with great ambitions often carry an overly strong sense of "self-importance," even to the point of being unbearable, but this is what drives them forward. A person's self-confidence often predicts their future success. From a moral standpoint, trusting those who are self-assured is also a prudent approach. If a person begins to doubt their own integrity and honesty, it won't be long before others doubt them too. Moral decline often shows its first signs within oneself. Today's people are constantly busy, with no time to seek out the great masters hidden in the alleys, preferring instead to believe the opinions of a small figure unless they can prove him unworthy. Today's world is one that reveres courage and boldness. A young person who always complains and seems to view life itself as a great mistake is bound to be looked down upon. German philosopher Schelling once said, "If a person becomes aware of who they are, they will quickly know who they should become. But first, they must believe in their own importance in thought, and soon, in reality, they will feel important too." For a person, the important thing is to convince them to believe in their own abilities. If this is achieved, they will soon possess great power. "Certainly, humility is a virtue, and people are increasingly valuing this quality," said Lajos Kossuth, the leader of Hungary's national liberation movement. "However, we should not undervalue the value of self-reliance and confidence, for it is more indicative of a man's character than any other personal trait." British historian J.L. Foster also said, "A tree must first take root in the soil to bear fruit. Similarly, a person must learn to rely on themselves, to respect themselves, to reject charity, and not to wait for fate's gifts. Only on this foundation can one achieve greatness." Young people should cultivate their self-respect, elevating themselves above all actions, thus insulating themselves from all kinds of insults and indignities. During a courtroom trial, as a defense attorney, Couran said, "I have studied all the legal books in my collection, and I cannot find a single case where, against the opposition of the opposing counsel, a condition could be predetermined in advance. Such a thing has never happened." "Sir—" Judge Robinson of the bench interrupted him. This judge had risen to his position by writing a few pamphlets, but they were very poorly written and crude. He then said, "I doubt your library is well-stocked." "Indeed, sir, I am not wealthy," the young lawyer replied calmly, looking directly into the judge's eyes. "This limits my ability to purchase books. I have few books, but they are all carefully selected and thoroughly read. I have read a few masterpieces, rather than writing a bunch of worthless works before entering this noble profession. I am not ashamed of my poverty. On the contrary, if my wealth were gained through groveling or improper means, I would truly feel ashamed. I may not have a prominent status, but at least I have maintained integrity and honesty. If I were to abandon integrity and honesty for status, many examples before me would tell me that doing so might give me what I need, but in the eyes of others, I would only appear smaller." From then on, Judge Robinson never dared to mock that young lawyer again. "To rely on oneself, to believe in oneself, is an important component of independent personality," said Michelle Reynolds. "It is what helps the heroes of the Olympic Games win the gold medal. All great figures, all those who have left a name in world history, belong to the same family because of this common trait." Only self-confidence and self-respect can make us feel our own abilities; no other thing can replace their role. And those who are weak, indecisive, and always rely on others, as Shakespeare said, will never experience the glory that radiates from those who stand on their own. P3-6