Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating. Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not.
Susan CainRead
...true self-esteem comes from competence, not the other way around.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True self-esteem is achieved through competence and actual accomplishments.
In this quote, Susan Cain emphasizes that genuine self-esteem is rooted in one's abilities and competence rather than being a precondition for it. This suggests that confidence and a healthy sense of self-worth are derived from mastering skills and successfully accomplishing tasks, which ultimately leads to a fulfilling and positive self-image.
Themes
Self-EsteemCompetenceConfidenceAccomplishmentGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development, this quote can inspire individuals to focus on building their skills.
More from Susan Cain
All quotes βWe need to do teacher training to educate them about what temperament means. Shyness is painful and you want to help a child with shyness - but the underlying temperament of being a careful, sensitive person is to be honoured, valued and respected.
Susan CainRead
But when the group is literally capable of changing our perceptions, and when to stand alone is to activate primitive, powerful, and unconscious feelings of rejection, then the health of these institutions seems far more vulnerable than we think.
Susan CainRead
We don't need giant personalities to transform companies. We need leaders who build not their own egos but the institutions they run.
Susan CainRead
What if you love knowledge for its own sake, not necessarily as a blueprint to action? What if you wish there were more, not fewer reflective types in the world?
Susan CainRead
[Introverts,] the world needs you and it needs the things you carry. So I wish you the best of all possible journeys and the courage to speak softly.
Susan CainRead
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Happiness is the death of the ego. If you want to remain a separate entity from existence as almost everybody is trying to do, you will be afraid of being blissful, cheerful. You will feel guilty in being blissful. You will feel suicidal because you are committing suicide on the psychological level, on the level of the ego.
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Sometimes you do have to laugh to keep from crying. And sometimes the world feels all right and good and kind of like it's becoming nice again around you. And you realize it, and realize how happy you are in it, and you just gotta laugh.
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There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.
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