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Leading A Spiritual Life

beyond his capacity and he was defeated in the elections.
He lost both government service and the assembly seat.
Then there is the question of how one can cope with
over-confidence. The formula is very simple. Before
taking a decision, discuss the matter objectively with
other people who are well-informed and when it is
proved that you are about to take a step in the wrong
direction, accept the reality and admit your mistake.

Over-confidence is a common flaw in the character of
those who are lacking in humility. The virtue of modesty
makes you a realist – a person who is cut down to size.
Such people generally proceed with caution because,
before taking any action, they take into consideration all
of the factors in whatever situation they have to tackle
and make a thorough assessment of the risks involved.
Taking this realistic approach prompts them to take
into account their own shortcomings. This serves as
a controlling element in their lives and prevents them
from having to face untoward consequences.
Overconfident people remain wrapped up in their
own thoughts. They know themselves but are unaware
of the lives of others. From inside their own cocoon,
they are unable to draw upon others’ experiences and
develop the kind of inward-looking attitude which can
be highly damaging to all concerned.

There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and
the old man sees the exception. With a slight change,
I would like to say that the overconfident person sees
the rule and the confident person sees the exception.
Overconfident people are always more likely than

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