“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.”
This quote is normally associated with religion, but it can be equally applicable to self-esteem.
If you believe you’re intelligent and wise, you don’t need to prove it to anybody. If you don’t believe you’re intelligent and wise, you will never be able to prove this to other people.
People who are happy with who they are don’t spend their valuable time trying to prove this to other people. “A lion doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep.” ~ Old saying.
When I was younger, I used to think being bright was important, I had to show people how clever I was; as I’ve matured, I’ve learned that proving I’m right is not important. I am wise enough now to know everybody has their own truths, I question mine from time to time to see if they’re still true. I’ve stopped questioning other people’s truths. That’s their responsibility.
Below are a few of my favourite quotes about this topic.
“A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.” ~William Shakespeare.
“I could agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.” ~Anon
“Nobody was ever offended by your silence.” ~Anon
“It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” ~Abraham Lincoln.
“Wise men are not always silent, but they know when to be.” ~Anon
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” ~Plato.
“What you say will be remembered and used against you in every debate you participate in.” ~Be careful of the ammunition you supply to your enemies.
