Trader’s confidence

Chapter IV T rader’ s confidence Confidence, in fact, implies self-assurance and enthusiasm in one’s work. This quality is highly important for a trader’s integrity, because those who do not have it are unable to make any progress. However, traders must be neither too bold nor have too strong a tendency for risk taking, because immoderateness in this respect easily put the trader in danger, especially when he overestimates his muscle. The trader should be of moderate self-esteem and confidently rely on God’s will and good fortune whenever he ventures to do something that involves a certain amount of risk. When one ventures into something, very reasonable conduct is required for there is no room for recklessness in such dealings, and the rest is to be left to fortune to decide. Wise men commonly appreciate a bad outcome which occurred as a result of thorough preparation, more than a positive outcome that was achieved without adequate and sensible preparation. Still, the common folks usually form the opinion of a person based on achievement and success, and they do not know any better than to say: “He is not a man from noble stock, but he does own a big house.” When they see a rich man, they take him for a wise one, whereas they always perceive the poor as lunatics. This is especially the case in our town, a major part of whose population are Bosnians who follow the customs of Manicheans. Consequently, the town became a place where, under the pretext that God’s will is obeyed, the rich are highly appreciated

guests in any house and equally well excepted in senior citizen’s institutions, while the poor are not wanted and hence sent away. Therefore, whatever the circumstances, especially under adverse ones, a trader must be full of confidence and show resolution. The more his fortunes are declining, the stronger and bolder he must be, for destiny usually strikes those who turn their back on it, rather than those who defy it. In the words of Virgil: “Fortune always tends the brave, and ignores the fearful.”