Good work is no done by "humble" men. It is one of the…
“Good work is no done by "humble" men. It is one of the first duties of a professor, for example, in any subject, to exaggerate a little both the importance of his subject and his own importance in it. A man who is always asking "Is what I do worth while?" and "Am I the right person to do it?" will always be ineffective himself and a discouragement to others. He must shut his eyes a little and think a little more of his subject and himself than they deserve. This is not too difficult: it is harder not to make his subject and himself ridiculous by shutting his eyes too tightly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Professors should balance modesty with confident promotion of their field to inspire others.
In simple terms: Teach with confidence, not excessive humility.
Key Takeaway
Promote your subject proudly while staying grounded.
Themes
education
confidence
humility
leadership
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
academic
motivational
When to use this quote
- lecture preparation
- career development
- mentor training
Key Concepts
pedagogy
self‑esteem
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you showcase expertise without seeming arrogant?
- What strategies help maintain healthy self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can alienate students and peers.