Confidence Quote by George Eliot
““The most obstinate beliefs that mortals entertain about themselves are such as they have no evidence for beyond a constant, spontaneous pulsing of their self-satisfaction—as it were a hidden seed of madness, a confidence that they can move the world without precise notion of standing-place or lever.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871
People often cling to unverified self‑beliefs, feeling confident they can influence the world despite lacking a clear understanding of their own position or tools.
In simple terms: Unfounded confidence masks ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, seek evidence.
Themes
confidence
self‑deception
knowledge
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- leadership
- decision making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
epistemology
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you hold without evidence?
- How can you test your assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Confidence without grounding can lead to poor decisions.
![“[W]e must learn to accommodate ourselves to the discovery that some of those cunningly-fashioned instruments called human souls have only a very limited range of music, and will not vibrate in the least under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony.” quote by George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/george-eliot-84_agony_w-e-must-learn-to-accommodate-ourselves_12409.jpg)
