Charles Pépin’s Self-Confidence is a deceptively simple, short book where he offers a theory of self-confidence that is both theoretical and practical. In Pépin’s view, self-confidence is not something that comes wholly from within: instead, it has three dimensions.

First, self-confidence requires that we have trust in others. This is remarkably different from the way we typically understand self-confidence. Rather than look wholly to ourselves, we must have faith that others are out for our best interests, and we can learn from them.

Second, self-confidence does come from within, and there are many ways to develop internal self-confidence: we can learn a craft, we can play a sport, we can socialize with others and learn how good of conversationalists we really are. Essentially, it’s not enough to believe in ourselves, we must do something constructive that adds something to the world. Then, when we look at what we’ve done, we can understand that it has come from within.

Finally, self-confidence requires faith in the world. This is a big thing, and it points to the possibility that self-confidence has an inverse relation with cynicism. When we assume that the world is a cruel, hostile place, we are less likely to make mistakes. But if we approach life with the perspective that most people are charitable, forgiving, and well-intentioned, we can fail without taking it all too seriously. This relationship between the “outside” and “inside” is a crucial aspect of self-confidence.

As he discusses each of these facets of self-confidence, Pépin offers anecdotes and practical advice for how we can develop a greater sense of self-confidence: we can surround ourselves with charitable people; we can take up craft like pottery, carpentry, and mechanics; we can try out new things and leave our comfort zone, ever so slightly, only coming back to it after a long day filled with adventure.

Pépin, across the board, has the voice of a warm, fatherly, and nurturing figure. He encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves and approaching life with a growth mindset: we must approach the world as learners, accepting the flow of things.

The book touched me, and it was what I needed to hear in the moment. It’s well worth the read: it won’t take long at all.