Chapter 112
The Seductive Power of Brilliant People
During the first weeks of his stay in Petersburg Prince Andrew felt the whole trend of thought he had formed during his life of seclusion quite overshadowed by the trifling cares that engrossed him in that city. On returning home in the evening he would jot down in his notebook four or five necessary calls or appointments for certain hours. The mechanism of life, the arrangement of the day so as to be in time everywhere, absorbed the greater part of his vital energy. He did nothing, did not even think or find time to think, but only talked, and…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Confidence Attraction
Think of someone in your life who radiates confidence and whose opinions you find yourself automatically agreeing with. Write down what specifically draws you to them, then list any small details that make you uncomfortable or doubtful. Finally, identify what you might be questioning about yourself that makes their certainty so appealing.
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between confidence and arrogance
- •Pay attention to how they treat people who disagree with them
- •Consider what vulnerability in yourself their confidence seems to fill
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you followed someone's confident lead and later regretted it. What warning signs did you ignore, and what would you do differently now?
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