Most people tend to underestimate themselves excessively. Many say, “Humility is the virtue,” perhaps influenced by social environment and education, but it’s more about recognizing mistakes and limitations than about one’s own potential. That is, self-judgment based on experience. Of course, there will be mistakes and limitations in the future that we haven’t yet encountered, but the possibilities and achievements will be just as numerous. If we assume the odds are about equal, then we shouldn’t need to underrate ourselves. Excessive self-confidence or showiness is a problem, but so is underconfidence. Too much or too little is called arrogance. In Christianity, it’s considered “sin.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
One reason for the Dutch’s wealth was the strong trust between the merchants and sailors responsible for trade. Captain Willem Barentsz failed in 1596 while attempting to open a northeast route to the Far East via Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic Ocean. An accident occurred in which 8 out of 18 sailors died after being trapped in glaciers at temperatures of -40 degrees for 8 months, marking a setback for the development of a new maritime route. However, the captain and crew did not disturb the cargo, and on June 13, 1597, they split into two small ships and escaped the glacier. Fifty days later, they were rescued by a Russian merchant ship. Captain Barentsz died on the journey home, but the crew returned the consigned cargo to its owners intact after getting home. Trust means taking your life as collateral. Business is built on this trust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”