--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Self-confidence is either a petty pride…" description: "\"Self-confidence is either a petty pride in our own narrowness, or the realization of our duty and privilege as God's children.\" — Phillips Brooks" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/phillips-brooks-2696_children_self-confidence-is-either-a-petty-pride_1113883.png" --- # Self-confidence is either a petty pride in our own… ![“Self-confidence is either a petty pride in our own narrowness, or the realization of our duty and privilege as God's children.” quote by Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/phillips-brooks-2696_children_self-confidence-is-either-a-petty-pride_1113883.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/phillips-brooks-2696_children_self-confidence-is-either-a-petty-pride_1113883.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/phillips-brooks-2696_children_self-confidence-is-either-a-petty-pride_1113883.png) > “Self-confidence is either a petty pride in our own narrowness, or the realization of our duty and privilege as God's children.” [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) ## 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 can be either narrow self‑importance or a humble awareness of our divine purpose as children of God. **In simple terms:** Confidence is pride or humble duty. Key Takeaway Embrace humility and purpose. Themes humility faith identity purpose Mood reflective inspirational Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - personal growth - spiritual practice - leadership - community service Key Concepts theology psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance self‑worth with humility? - What does “God’s children” mean to you? A Different Perspective Pride can blind insight; humility may be mistaken for weakness. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence/) [Confidence Petty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence-petty-2981130/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Petty Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/petty-pride-2981131/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Pride Narrowness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride-narrowness-2981132/) [Privilege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privilege/) [Realization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/realization/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-confidence/) ## Related quotes > [Self-confidence is either a petty pride in our own narrowness, or a realization of our duty and privilege as one of God's children.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/self-confidence-is-either-a-petty-pride-in-our-own-narrowness-or-a/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/with-realization-of-one-s-own-potential-and-self-confidence-in-one-s/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [With the realization of ones own potential and self-confidence in ones ability, one can build a better world. 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I had quite low…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-jason/i-don-t-think-i-would-ever-have-taken-on-professional-acting-roles-if/) [David Jason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-jason/) > [My folks tried to make a preacher of me and missed by a narrow margin… I would have made a good one if I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/my-folks-tried-to-make-a-preacher-of-me-and-missed-by-a-narrow-margin/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) ## More by Phillips Brooks > [Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/do-not-pray-for-tasks-equal-to-your-powers-pray-for-powers-equal-to/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/christmas-day-is-a-day-of-joy-and-charity-may-god-make-you-very-rich/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [Preaching is truth through personality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/preaching-is-truth-through-personality/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/nothing-lies-beyond-the-reach-of-prayer-except-that-which-lies/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [Everywhere the flower of obedience is intelligence. 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