Confidence Ascension Principle

April 2023

Students often admire and look up to their seniors when they are in lower grades, feeling somewhat intimidated by their seemingly impressive positions. However, as they progress and become upperclassmen themselves, they come to realize that the stature of their seniors is not as remarkable as they initially believed. This realization teaches an important lesson: don't be overwhelmed by those in authority and maintain your dignity. It is crucial to show respect while also understanding that, with confidence and dedication, you can achieve similar success. As long as you put in the necessary work, your time to shine will come.

One useful classic story that illustrates this point is The Wizard of Oz. In "The Wizard of Oz," the Wizard is initially portrayed as a powerful, almost godlike figure, but is eventually revealed to be an ordinary man operating complex machinery to create the illusion of his wizardry.

The CEO of a successful startup, a bestselling author, a world-class scientist—these are people we often place on pedestals, attributing to them a degree of prowess that may seem unreachable. However, just like the seniors or the Wizard, they are merely individuals who have worked their way up to their current positions. Their success does not stem from some mystical, unattainable prowess, but rather from persistence, learning, and the courage to try and fail multiple times.

When one realizes this truth, it is liberating. The pedestals start to crumble, making way for an understanding that success is less about inherent superiority and more about determination and resilience. One does not need to cower in the face of perceived greatness; instead, use it as inspiration, recognizing that such accomplishments are well within the realms of possibility.

Related Quotes

사람은 종종 자신이 경험하지 못한 어떤 상황에 대해서 과장하거나 축소해서 생각하는 경향이 있다. 학생 때는 군인 아저씨가 엄청 나이 많은 사람처럼 느껴지고, 이십 대 중반에서 바라본 서른 살은 누가 봐도 어엿한 어른처럼 느껴진다. @ "나는 장사의 신이다", 은현장

Don’t wish for what other people have. They have it because they committed to getting it. If you commit, you can get it too. @ "Sell or Be Sold", Grant Cardone

Dunning-Kruger effect: A cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge or competence overestimate their own knowledge or competence