--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Self-confidence is not the same thing as…" description: "\"Self-confidence is not the same thing as ego. This is not to say that the two don’t (frequently) dance hand in hand down the street, pushing over old l..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/maggie-stiefvater-76_able_self-confidence-is-not-the-same-thing-as_628068.png" --- # Self-confidence is not the same thing as ego. This is not… ![“Self-confidence is not the same thing as ego. This is not to say that the two don’t (frequently) dance hand in hand down the street, pushing over old ladies in crosswalks and kicking baby kittens. But they are definitely not the same entity. Ego is thinking you have all the answers…” quote by Maggie Stiefvater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/maggie-stiefvater-76_able_self-confidence-is-not-the-same-thing-as_628068.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/maggie-stiefvater-76_able_self-confidence-is-not-the-same-thing-as_628068.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/maggie-stiefvater-76_able_self-confidence-is-not-the-same-thing-as_628068.png) > “Self-confidence is not the same thing as ego. This is not to say that the two don’t (frequently) dance hand in hand down the street, pushing over old ladies in crosswalks and kicking baby kittens. But they are definitely not the same entity. Ego is thinking you have all the answers. Self-confidence is knowing you don’t have the answers, but being pretty sure that you will be able to find them.” [Maggie Stiefvater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maggie-stiefvater/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑confidence acknowledges uncertainty and the ability to find answers; ego assumes certainty and superiority. **In simple terms:** Confidence admits not knowing; ego pretends to know all. Key Takeaway Cultivate humility while trusting your problem‑solving skills. Themes humility confidence ego Mood motivational thoughtful Type psychological inspirational When to use this quote - team projects - public speaking - learning new skills - decision making Key Concepts growth mindset leadership personal development Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance confidence with humility? - When might ego be useful? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can blind you to needed help. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Able](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/able/) [Answers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/answers/) [Baby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/baby/) [Being pretty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/being-pretty/) [Confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence/) [Confidence Knowing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence-knowing-258370/) [Ego](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ego/) [Ego Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ego-thinking-3850397/) [Entity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/entity/) [Hand in hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hand-in-hand/) [Hands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hands/) [Kicking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kicking/) [Kitten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kitten/) [Knowing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowing/) [Old lady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-lady/) [Pushing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pushing/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-confidence/) [Streets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/streets/) [Thing Ego](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thing-ego-3155827/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) ## Related quotes > [“T-4.II.4. 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