Skip to content

Confidence Quote by Sheila Heti

“perhaps that’s what it’s for – self-confidence and courage and energy and peace – perhaps it’s to be used in the world. Perhaps there’s only one thing to do with it: spend it. I’m always super-conscious of how whenever I go out into the world, whenever I get involved in a relationship, my idea of…” quote by Sheila Heti
Download Open image
““perhaps that’s what it’s for – self-confidence and courage and energy and peace – perhaps it’s to be used in the world. Perhaps there’s only one thing to do with it: spend it. I’m always super-conscious of how whenever I go out into the world, whenever I get involved in a relationship, my idea of who I think I am utterly collides with the reality of who I actually am. And I continue to go out even though who I am always comes up short. I always prove myself to be less generous, less charming, less considerate, not as bold or energetic or intelligent or courageous as I imagined in my solitude. And I’m always being insulted, or snubbed, or disappointed. And I’m never in my pyjamas. And yet, in some way, maybe this is better. Each of us in this room could suffer the pangs of withdrawal and gain the serenity of the non-smoker. We could be demi-gods in our little castles, all alone, but perhaps, at heart, none of us here wants that. Maybe the only cure for self-confidence and courage is humility. Maybe we go out in order to fall short... because we want to learn how to be good at being people... and moreover, because we want to be people.””

Sheila Heti

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015

The speaker reflects on the gap between self‑confidence and reality, suggesting humility and embracing imperfection are essential for authentic growth.

In simple terms: Confidence often clashes with reality; humility helps us learn.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and learn from falling short.

Themes

self‑growth humility confidence authenticity learning social interaction

Mood

reflective honest introspective

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career challenges
  • relationships
  • public speaking
  • personal setbacks

Key Concepts

psychology self‑development existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does humility teach you about your strengths?
  • How can you use setbacks as learning opportunities?
A Different Perspective

Confidence can become a barrier when it blinds self‑awareness.

3.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Sheila Heti

Explore all 150 Sheila Heti quotes

More Confidence quotes

Browse all 11,315 Confidence quotes