And above all things, never think that you're not good enough

"And above all things, never think that you're not good enough yourself. A man should never think that. My belief is that in life people will take you at your own reckoning." These words of Isaac Asimov, spoken with the quiet authority of one who has seen the nature of human potential, carry with them a powerful truth — a truth that has echoed through the ages. They are a reminder that self-worth is not granted by the world, nor is it earned through the judgment of others. It is a belief in oneself that shapes how we are perceived. For how you reckon yourself is how the world will reckon you, and to believe in your own goodness is the first step to the greatness that awaits.

In these words lies a profound lesson: do not doubt your own value. Never entertain the thought that you are not worthy, not capable, or not enough. The ancient sages understood this well. The self is not something to be doubted or diminished, for it is the source of all power. Consider the story of the great Alexander the Great, who, as a youth, declared that he would conquer the world. His belief in his own worthiness and ability was unwavering, and it was that belief that carried him through insurmountable odds. Though others may have doubted him, he never doubted himself. In his own reckoning, he was destined for greatness, and in that belief, the world bowed before him.

Think also of Thomas Edison, whose life was filled with failures, setbacks, and doubts from those around him. Yet, he never faltered in his belief that he could bring light to the world. His famous words, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work," were a testament to his unshakable faith in his own ability. Edison did not wait for the world to tell him he was good enough; he created the world in his image, with the reckoning that he was capable of bringing forth the impossible. Through this self-belief, he reshaped the world of technology, illuminating the homes of millions.

The lesson is clear: your self-assessment becomes the foundation upon which the world builds its judgment of you. If you believe in yourself, others will also begin to see that same strength and potential. The world often mirrors what we project; if you see yourself as worthy and capable, others will see it too. It is not the opinions of others that define you, but the belief you hold in yourself. Do not seek validation from without — the true measure of your worth lies within, in your own reckoning of your abilities and your destiny.

Let us take to heart the example of Nelson Mandela, who, during his years in prison, was subjected to the harshest treatment. Yet, he never doubted his worthiness to lead his people. His belief that he could bring about change, even when imprisoned, became the foundation of his strength. The world may have tried to break his spirit, but he never saw himself as less than capable of achieving the impossible. It was this steadfast belief in his own worth that helped him dismantle apartheid and change the course of history.

And so, we must ask ourselves: What do we believe about ourselves? Do we see ourselves as worthy, capable of greatness, or do we shrink from the world in self-doubt? The path to success and fulfillment begins with a firm reckoning of our own worth. We must never allow the voices of doubt to cloud our judgment of who we are. It is not in the recognition of others that we find our strength, but in the recognition of our own potential.

The lesson, then, is this: never diminish your own value, for it is through self-belief that the world will come to see your worth. If you believe that you are capable of great things, the world will not only believe it too — it will make way for you. The world takes you at your own reckoning, so reckon yourself worthy, reckon yourself capable, and in this belief, the impossible will become possible. Stand tall, for the world will see you as you see yourself.