The NYT book review on a new biography of Ronald Reagan notes:

Reagan had the gift of likability, always ready with a smile and a joke. Yet he didn't really need people. He was perfectly content with his own company.

I think that's very profound. We tend to like people who are self-assured, we trust them more, find them more attractive sexually, more intelligent. To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others, and happy people are fun to be around.

But the problem is, what about false confidence? What about someone who, like a drunk, is perfectly content merely due to ignorance? I think this is what gives Albert Brooks or Woody Allen nightmares: in a world of uncertainty, the certain are idiots, but they are also the most attractive, wealthy, and happy.

I think the key is that while ignorance can lead to confidence and happiness, such confidence or happiness is merely temporary. A sober drunk is often depressed, and hardly more wealthy. A stupid man may be full of certainty, but such false confidence is in stark contrast to the confidence from true wisdom. Have you ever listened to the know-it-all buffoon, in contrast to a truly wise man? The difference is palpable. So strive towards wisdom that brings self-assurance that you are doing your best given your circumstances, and therefore have little to despair. Women will find you attractive, men will respect you, and most of all you won't waste time worrying