The opinion which a man entertains of himself ought to be distinguished, in order to an accurate discussion of this question, as it relates to persons or to things. To think highly of ourselves in comparision with others, to assume by our own authority that precedence which none is willing to grant us, must be always invidious and offensive; but to rate our powers high in proportion to things, and imagine ourselves equal to great undertakings, while we leave others in possession of the same abilities, cannot with equal justice provoke censure.
It must be confessed, that self love may dispose us to decide too hastily in our own favor; but who is hurt by the mistake? If we are incited by this vain opinion to attempt more than we can perform, ours is the labour and ours is the disgrace.
But he that dares to think well of himself, will not always prove to be mistaken, and the good effects of his confidence will then appear in great attempts and great performances; if he should not fully complete his design, he will at least advance it so far as to leave an easier task for him that succeeds him; and even though he should wholly fail, he will fail with honour.
But from the opposite error, from torpid despondency, can come no advantage; it is the frost of the soul which binds up all its powers, and congeals life in perpetual sterility. He that has no hopes of success will make no attempts, and where nothing is attempted, nothing can be done.
Adventurer Essay No. 81, Volume II of The Yale Edition of the Works of Samuel Johnson, edited by W. J. Bate, John M. Bullitt, and L. F. Powell, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 1963.