[adnzzzzZ]

Deluded self-assurance most reliably delivers success. Cynics and realists tend to not understand this and thus don't take enough risks when they should, and are confined to mediocre results (compared to their peers in similar situations).

[Jensson]

> Deluded self-assurance most reliably delivers success.

I don't believe so. However I do believe that projecting a deluded self-assuring aura helps convince people to follow you, but that doesn't mean that your internals acts that way. It is really hard to know what people really think underneath that facade, I am pretty sure much more is going on that people want to show.

[Daishiman]

That is the definition of being a cynic.

There are people that have remarkably positive outlooks on life and that allows them to do the daily grind that's necessary to achieve any semblance of change. A lot of people, seeing that you can actually progress in life, are moved by such personalities and find them inspiring.

That doesn't mean a person isn't sad, or can't get depressed, or not get seriously set back in life. It just means that pushing on and hoping for change can actually get you somewhere.

[esjeon]

Everyone always deludes oneself. Even cynics and realists end up having their own versions of the reality. Also, risk, success, and financial success are completely irrelevant to each other, thus cynical attitude really has nothing to do with it.

[a-dub]

> Deluded self-assurance most reliably delivers success.

cynic!