the eye of Nova's mind

I think confidence does not necessarily have to stem from self-belief. It is also fleeting depending on situation. I've been told I am a confident person but I don't have a very high self-esteem. I just see things how I see them and behave accordingly. Essentially I think the more you feel you are correct, the more confidence you have. So hence those with more education tend to have more genuine confidence more often than those who do not. Perhaps this also is why many educated people are successful.