Confidence

Confidence

            Confidence - the firm trust or belief that one can rely on themselves or others.

Having confidence is an admirable trait which makes it a virtue.  

Confidence, or lack thereof, is the foundation for everything we do. The manner in which we carry out our actions throughout our lives is a reflection of how much trust we have in ourselves and others. Confidence plays a role in how far we set our goals and how eager we are to accept challenges, explore unfamiliar heights, learn new things, and meet new people. When you set your mind to a goal, there may be doubts that come about that make you feel as though you will not have success for reasons unknown, but confidence allows you to confront doubt and open up opportunity for perseverance. Without confidence a person is constantly faced with discouraging thoughts. I don't believe we need any virtue more than we need confidence.

Confidence is a virtue that needs to be developed, like all other virtues, but it is very different. Confidence may seem very similar to courage, but courage lacks the certainty that makes confidence. Courage often involves the feeling that one must step into risky, unfamiliar situations without holding back from fear or the concern that one may be incapable, where as in confidence the belief has to be present for us to move forward. 

       The Barbara Argument

1. All confident people are virtuous

2. All people who have a strong trust in themselves or others are confident

3. Therefore, all people who have a strong trust in themselves or others are virtuous

All people who are confident live happier lives. Confident people make better, more careful decisions, thus creating a better life for themselves. Confident people have a better perception of self and are more equipped to handle and adjust to ever changing situations, allowing for a more virtuous life.