SELF-C ONF I DE NC E 239One of the irreparable losses is the lack of knowledge that there
is a definite method through which Self-Confidence can be developed
in any person of average intelligence. What an immeasurable loss it is
to civilization that young men and women are not taught this known
method of developing Self-Confidence before they complete their
schooling, for no one who lacks faith in themself is really educated in
the proper sense of the term.
Oh, what glory anct satisfaction would be the happy heritage of
the man or woman who could pull aside the curtain of fear that hangs
over humanity and shuts out the sunlight of understanding that Self-
Confidence brings, wherever it is in evidence.
Where fear controls, noteworthy achievement becomes an impos-
sibility. This brings to mind the definition of fear as stated by a great
philosopher:
"Fear is the dungeon of the mind into which it runs and hides and
seeks seclusion. Fear brings on superstition, and superstition is the dag-
ger with which hypocrisy assassinates the sour'
In front of the typewriter on which I am writing the manuscripts
for this course hangs a sign with the following wording, in big letters:
"Day by day in every way I am becoming more successful."
A skeptic who read that sign asked if I really believed "that stuff"
and I replied, "Of course not. All it ever did for me was to help me get
out of the coal mines, where I started as a laborer, and find a place in
the world in which I am serving upwards of lOO,OOO people, in whose
minds I am planting the same positive thought that this sign brings
out. Therefore, why should I believe in it?"
As this man started to leave, he remarked, "Well, perhaps there
is something to this sort of philosophy, after all, for I have always
been afraid that I would be a failure, and so far my fears have been
thoroughly realized."
You are condemning yourself to poverty, misery, and failure, or
you are driving yourself on toward the heights of great achievement,