Self-Confidence

A Philosophy

By: Charles Pépin, Willard Wood - translator

Narrated by: Peter Noble

Inspired by great figures from Emerson and Nietzsche to Madonna and Serena Williams, this engaging philosophical essay explores the workings of self-confidence and how to develop it.

Where does self-confidence come from? How does it work? What makes it stronger or weaker? Why are some people more confident than others? Is it only a question of temperament or the result of conscious self-improvement? How do you get closer to those who stand out thanks entirely to their confidence in themselves?

Drawing on philosophical texts, ancient wisdom, positive psychology, and a wide range of case studies that feature famous thinkers, artists, and athletes, but also unsung heroes like a fighter pilot and an urgent care doctor, Charles Pépin brings to light the strange alchemy that is self-confidence. By doing so, he gives us the keys to having more confidence in ourselves.

©2018 Allary Éditions (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Translation © 2019 by Willard Wood. Excerpt on page 133 from You Will Not Have My Hate , by Antoine Leiris, translated from the French by Sam Taylor, translation © 2016 by Sam Taylor. © 2016 by Librairie Arthème Fayard. Etty Hillesum excerpts on pp. 137-9 from An Interrupted Life: The Diaries, 1941-1943 (English translation © 1983 by Jonathan Cape Ltd), except 1943 excerpt on page 138 from Letters from Westerbork (English translation © 1986 by Random House, Inc), translated by Arnold J. Pomerans.

Critic reviews

“To perform this poetic writing, it's hard to imagine a better choice than Peter Noble. His continental vocal rhythms are pleasing in themselves, conveying Old World wisdom and psychological groundedness; he connects with the author's emotional depth and humanitarian perspective.” —AudioFile Magazine