There’s a great post over at the Art of Manliness site, on self-reliance:

“It’s increasingly difficult to live a life that is inner-directed rather than other-directed.

In order to operate effectively in this kind of autonomy-sapping environment, developing a strong sense of self-reliance is crucial.”

It includes some interesting quotes as well:

“Self-trust is the first secret of success, the belief that if you are here the authorities of the universe put you here, and for cause, or with some task strictly appointed you in your constitution, and so long as you work at that you are well and successful. It by no means consists in rushing prematurely to a showy feat that shall catch the eye and satisfy spectators. It is enough if you work in the right direction.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Society and Solitude

“You are not a lottery ticket.” – Peter Thiel, billionaire investor

Self-reliance is essential for anyone pursuing life as a sovereign professional. Without some sort of inner core, you risk chasing the goodwill and approval of every potential client and obscuring any view of the longer term goal.