There is a difference between self-confidence and being insecurely bold.
Each concept in our mind owes its existence to a long succession of analogies made unconsciously over many years, initially giving birth to the concept and continuing to enrich it over the course of our lifetime. Furthermore, at every moment of our lives, our concepts are selectively triggered by analogies that our brain makes without letup, in an effort to make sense of the new and unknown in terms of the old and known.
Douglas Hofstadter & Emmanuel Sander, Surfaces and Essences: Analogy as the Fuel and Fire of Thinking
Without concepts there can be no thought, and without analogies there can be no concepts.
Douglas Hofstadter & Emmanuel Sander, Surfaces and Essences: Analogy as the Fuel and Fire of Thinking
In a monogamous society a woman often chooses a mate long before he has had a chance to become a “chief,” and she must look for clues to his future potential rather than rely only on his past achievements. Poise, self assurance, optimism, efficiency, perseverance, courage, decisiveness, intelligence, ambition—these are the things that cause men to rise to the top of their professions. And not coincidentally, these are the things women find attractive. They are clues to future status.
Matt Ridley, The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature
Three concepts of great importance: geeky passions, robust heuristics, and calibrated intuition.
My suffering—what does it matter! Should I strive for my happiness? I strive for my work!
Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra




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