Taking on responsibilities that properly belong to someone else means behaving irresponsibly toward yourself. You need to know where you end and someone else begins. You need to understand boundaries. You need to know what is and is not up to you, what is and is not in your control, what is and is not your responsibility.
Nathaniel BrandenTo live consciously means to seek to be aware of everything that bears on our actions, purposes, values, and goalsโto the best of our ability, whatever that ability may beโand to behave in accordance with that which we see and know.
Nathaniel BrandenOne of the hardest expressions of self-assertiveness is challenging your limiting beliefs.
Nathaniel BrandenIn the whole history of capitalism, no one has been able to establish a coercive monopoly by means of competition in a free market...Every single coercive monopoly that exists or ever has existed...was created and made possible only by an act of government...which granted special privileges (not obtainable in a free market) to a man or a group of men, and forbade all others to enter that particular field.
Nathaniel BrandenSelf-respecting men and women think about the consequences of their actions-and are willing to take responsibility for them.
Nathaniel BrandenIf you feel inadequate to face challenges, unworthy of love or respect, untitled to happiness, and fear assertive thought, wants, or needs- if you lack basic self trust, self-respect, and self-confidence- your self-esteem deficiency will limit you, no matter what other assets you possess.
Nathaniel Branden