Confirmation Quote by W. H. Auden
“In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it: they must not do too much of it: and they must have a sense of success in it - not a doubtful sense, such as needs some testimony of others for its confirmation, but a sure sense, or rather knowledge, that so much work has been done well, and fruitfully done, whatever the world may say or think about it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Function of Poetry, W. H. Auden, 1936
People need suitable work, reasonable workload, and confidence in their success to be happy at work
In simple terms: Fit work, not too much, and confidence bring happiness at work
Key Takeaway
Choose work that fits and builds confidence
Themes
work
happiness
confidence
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- job design
- performance review
- self‑assessment
Key Concepts
job fit
workload
self‑efficacy
recognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure success without others’ approval?
- What limits prevent you from feeling confident?
A Different Perspective
Confidence can be fragile without external validation
