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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ability succeeds where overconfidence fails and hesitation holds back.
In plain terms
Ability hits the right spot while arrogance and doubt miss.
What can you take from it?
Balance confidence with humility to succeed.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • leadership
  • sports

Putting it to work

  • calibrate confidence
  • practice skills
  • seek feedback

Questions to consider

  • When does overconfidence hurt you?
  • How do you balance confidence and skill?

Another view

Presumption can sometimes drive risk-taking that leads to breakthroughs.

More from John Henry Cardinal Newman

  1. There is in stillness oft a magic power To calm the breast when struggling passions lower, Touched by its influence, in the soul arise Diviner feelings, kindre…

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  2. To live is to change, and to perfect life is to have changed often.

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  3. Where good and ill together blent, Wage an undying strife.

    Permalink to quote #18

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