Art Quote by Susan Cain
““A martial arts instructor named Lateesha was first up that evening. Lateesha’s assignment was to read aloud to the class from a Robert Frost poem. With her dreadlocks and wide smile, Lateesha looked as if she wasn’t afraid of anything. But as she got ready to speak, her book propped open at the podium, Charles asked how anxious she was, on a scale of 1 to 10. “At least seven,” said Lateesha. “Take it slow,” he said. “There are only a few people out there who can completely overcome their fears, and they all live in Tibet.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: Unpublished narrative, 2023
A confident instructor admits high anxiety, highlighting that fear persists despite outward bravado.
In simple terms: Even the brave feel fear.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge anxiety before performing.
Themes
fear
confidence
performance
selfawareness
Mood
nervous
reflective
Type
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- teaching
- personal growth
- overcoming anxiety
Key Concepts
psychology
human behavior
vulnerability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence with honest self‑assessment?
- What strategies help you manage anxiety in front of others?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be amplified by audience expectations.
