I know of men who believe in themselves more colossally than Napoleon or Caesar. I know where flames the fixed star of certainty and success. I can guide you to the thrones of the Super-men. The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chesterton argues that extreme self-confidence often borders on madness, suggesting that those who believe in themselves most strongly are often found in asylums.
- In plain terms
- People who believe too much in themselves are usually crazy.
- What can you take from it?
- Extreme self-belief can be a sign of mental instability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where is the line between confidence and delusion?
- How do we define sanity in self-belief?
Another view
The quote generalizes about mental health without clinical evidence.
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