Feeling important makes one heavy, clumsy and vain. To be a warrior one needs to be light and fluid.
Carlos CastanedaRead
The self-confidence of the warrior is not the self-confidence of the average man. The average man seeks certainty in the eyes of the onlooker and calls that self-confidence. The warrior seeks impeccability in his own eyes and calls that humbleness. The average man is hooked to his fellow men, while the warrior is hooked only to infinity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True self-confidence comes from within and is independent of external validation.
In this quote, Carlos Castaneda emphasizes the distinction between superficial self-confidence, which is based on the opinions of others, and profound self-confidence, which is rooted in one's own standards and values. The warrior represents a mindset that prioritizes internal integrity and personal excellence over societal approval, highlighting a deeper connection to the infinite rather than to individual judgments.
Themes
Self-ConfidenceWarriorImpeccabilityHumblenessInfinity
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership workshop to inspire participants to develop a stronger sense of self.
More from Carlos Castaneda
All quotes →Only as a warrior can one withstand the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything. His life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or bad. Challenges are simply challenges.
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It doesn't matter what one reveals or what one keeps to oneself. Everything we do, everything we are, rests on our personal power. If we don't have enough personal power the most magnificent piece of wisdom can be revealed to us and it won't make a damn bit of difference.
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Beware of those who weep with realization, for they have realized nothing.
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All paths lead nowhere, so it is important to choose a path that has heart.
Carlos CastanedaRead
All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. However, a path without a heart is never enjoyable. On the other hand, a path with heart is easy - it does not make a warrior work at liking it; it makes for a joyful journey; as long as a man follows it, he is one with it.
Carlos CastanedaRead
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