Imposter syndrome is absolutely a thing, and is especially prevalent in the credentialed classes. However, this is because they are, in fact, imposters. Their credentials no more confer ability than the Scarecrow's diploma gave him a brain, and having been elevated above their station by affirmative action, they intuitively sense that they are unsuited to their roles.
The obsession with ideology - this is the devalued currency of 'values'. Virtue is hard work. Values are easy. One must only say the right things. Conversation becomes nothing more than a transaction of mutually assuring verbal tokens. An attractive state of affairs for bought and hollow men.
"Their credentials no more confer ability than the Scarecrow's diploma gave him a brain, and having been elevated above their station by affirmative action, they intuitively sense that they are unsuited to their roles." - Yep, see this again and again in the professional circles I'm involved in. But there are also others who are great at their job but have bought into a lie that the majority in their field are way better, more this, more that, more whatever, and it's simply not true - they feel they are an imposter but it's more likely the big-timer talker guy on that platform over there is the imposter.
My writing on imposter syndrome is a tad tongue in cheek, I know. Thanks for the data point – I think you are spot-on there. When so much of modern "higher education/academia" has become nothing more than a PC IQ test or social credential, it is natural to find that a lot of credentialed critters loitering around not knowing Macau from Madagascar, IYKWIM.
The one time in which professional self-doubt is inevitable - perhaps even healthy - is when you're attempting something so difficult or ambitious that it's not clear that anyone could do it flawlessly; when you have to accept that you'll have to muck your way through it for better or worse, and perfection is impossible.
The boldest tasks necessarily involve uncertainty about your capability. You just have to accept this and drive forward.
Agreed. The only times I find myself feeling professional self-doubt is when it is most warranted. The only way out is through and I have to take in on trust that whatever happens is either a blessing, a lesson, or both.
#2 is powerful, and difficult. The Courage to be Disliked, by Kishimi and Koga, helps with embracing one’s telos. Given the challenges facing our world right now, a superficial life is no life at all.
Something something "the unexamined life is not worth living." Did Socrates ever really say that? Probably not... but the impetus for it surely has not left us in the thousands of years since. Problem is that the domestication of homosapiens has been both a blessing and a curse. We are less violent and destructive as we used to be on one hand, but our increased conformity and high degree of oversocialization has made us easy pickings for psychopathic elites
Thank you for the data point. Yes, this is a generalized observation that doesn't adequately address all professions or domains. It still stands though.
Fantastic stuff.
Imposter syndrome is absolutely a thing, and is especially prevalent in the credentialed classes. However, this is because they are, in fact, imposters. Their credentials no more confer ability than the Scarecrow's diploma gave him a brain, and having been elevated above their station by affirmative action, they intuitively sense that they are unsuited to their roles.
The obsession with ideology - this is the devalued currency of 'values'. Virtue is hard work. Values are easy. One must only say the right things. Conversation becomes nothing more than a transaction of mutually assuring verbal tokens. An attractive state of affairs for bought and hollow men.
"Their credentials no more confer ability than the Scarecrow's diploma gave him a brain, and having been elevated above their station by affirmative action, they intuitively sense that they are unsuited to their roles." - Yep, see this again and again in the professional circles I'm involved in. But there are also others who are great at their job but have bought into a lie that the majority in their field are way better, more this, more that, more whatever, and it's simply not true - they feel they are an imposter but it's more likely the big-timer talker guy on that platform over there is the imposter.
My writing on imposter syndrome is a tad tongue in cheek, I know. Thanks for the data point – I think you are spot-on there. When so much of modern "higher education/academia" has become nothing more than a PC IQ test or social credential, it is natural to find that a lot of credentialed critters loitering around not knowing Macau from Madagascar, IYKWIM.
The one time in which professional self-doubt is inevitable - perhaps even healthy - is when you're attempting something so difficult or ambitious that it's not clear that anyone could do it flawlessly; when you have to accept that you'll have to muck your way through it for better or worse, and perfection is impossible.
The boldest tasks necessarily involve uncertainty about your capability. You just have to accept this and drive forward.
Agreed. The only times I find myself feeling professional self-doubt is when it is most warranted. The only way out is through and I have to take in on trust that whatever happens is either a blessing, a lesson, or both.
Great points, clearly presented. Tonic post, dude.
Thank you, kind sir!
I can tell you from running a business for 25 years that many who say they have 10 years experience really have two years repeated 5 times.
MANY such cases!
"vaingloriously pursuing another high" - not as a question, but as a statement.
#2 is powerful, and difficult. The Courage to be Disliked, by Kishimi and Koga, helps with embracing one’s telos. Given the challenges facing our world right now, a superficial life is no life at all.
Something something "the unexamined life is not worth living." Did Socrates ever really say that? Probably not... but the impetus for it surely has not left us in the thousands of years since. Problem is that the domestication of homosapiens has been both a blessing and a curse. We are less violent and destructive as we used to be on one hand, but our increased conformity and high degree of oversocialization has made us easy pickings for psychopathic elites
Thank you for the data point. Yes, this is a generalized observation that doesn't adequately address all professions or domains. It still stands though.
Much appreciated man. Have an excellent week.