Overcoming Haughtiness for Scientists

  • Thread starter Thread starter l-1j-cho
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theme of haughtiness among scientists, particularly natural scientists. Participants explore personal experiences and strategies for overcoming feelings of superiority, addressing the implications of such attitudes in scientific communities and interpersonal interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a struggle with inherent haughtiness and seek advice on how to change this aspect of their personality.
  • One suggestion is to find and engage with people who are smarter and more humble, which may help in recognizing one's own limitations.
  • Another participant suggests that becoming a physicist can be a humbling experience.
  • There are discussions about the importance of self-effacing humor to mitigate condescension and maintain friendships.
  • Some participants argue that comparing oneself to others can lead to vanity or bitterness.
  • A participant proposes that turning statements into questions can help in reducing perceived arrogance and foster better communication.
  • One participant offers to help deflate another's ego by discussing specific feelings of haughtiness, suggesting a systematic approach to gaining perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on haughtiness, with no clear consensus on the best approach to address it. Some agree on the value of humility and self-awareness, while others emphasize the importance of constructive communication and humor.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of haughtiness and differing personal experiences that influence participants' perspectives. The effectiveness of proposed strategies remains uncertain and subjective.

  • #121
OmCheeto said:
Um. Sorry... I am confused.

You are Korean, but do not speak Korean?

Well strictly speaking, I'm Welsh and don't speak Welsh.

These days, where you're from doesn't mean much.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #122
jarednjames said:
Well strictly speaking, I'm Welsh and don't speak Welsh.

These days, where you're from doesn't mean much.

You folks produced Catherine Zeta-Jones... your work is done. :biggrin:
 
  • #123
jarednjames said:
Well strictly speaking, I'm Welsh and don't speak Welsh.

Well, I'm stupid and I speak stupid. And I'm quite good at stupid. People tell me that every day, so I must be good at it.

Would my statement above be considered haughtiness?
 
  • #124
So when others compliment you on being smart, how should you reply?

Also, I have this thing where if I do bad on a test, I am sad, but if I do well, I am often so proud of it. It's ridiculous, but it keeps happening. :frown:
 
  • #125
nismaratwork said:
@alt: I've never read that poem to completion until now, thank you very much. Something about Brits named "Samuel" must be salutary to the process of writing poetry. :smile:
That is a very VERY good verse; a guide in and of itself. It does seem relevant, but I think I'll read it a few more times before I even pretend to grasp more than the surface of it. Thanks alt!

My pleasure. I am happy that you liked it !
 
  • #126
alt said:
My pleasure. I am happy that you liked it !

Any more you can recommend, books, anything... I read like mad, feel free to recommend away: I'll read almost anything that isn't cheap fiction, but you have good taste... that's even better.
 
  • #127
l-1j-cho said:
wait, was that Korean? I still don't get it...

Gads! You are correct. It's not. I don't usually double check my sources when they say it to my face. There is a one legged Korean dude that I know that is going to get kicked in the good leg for pulling that on me.

This reminds me of the time an internet acquaintance told me the phrase translated to; "Me comer los gusanos"... :mad:

Fortunately, I trust almost no one on the internet.
 
  • #128
OmCheeto said:
Fortunately, I trust almost no one on the internet.

You better
 
  • #129
I'm laughing with you both, not at either of you. Such is the naature of online comms heh?

@OmCheeto: :smile: Gusanos! Hehehe...

I think we all just got a lesson in how and why to refrain from haughtiness!

"What's the difference between God and a surgeon? Answer: God knows that he's not a surgeon."
 
  • #130
nismaratwork said:
Any more you can recommend, books, anything... I read like mad, feel free to recommend away: I'll read almost anything that isn't cheap fiction, but you have good taste... that's even better.

Hi Nismar - apologies for the delay in response.

I read a great deal too, though I do it in spurts. Could read for months when something takes my interest, and then not at all for months more.

I love the old English poets - particularly of the Lakes period. Anyway, don't want to go too off topic here. Will PM you with some stuff you'll probably love too.

Cheers.
 
  • #131
alt said:
Hi Nismar - apologies for the delay in response.

I read a great deal too, though I do it in spurts. Could read for months when something takes my interest, and then not at all for months more.

I love the old English poets - particularly of the Lakes period. Anyway, don't want to go too off topic here. Will PM you with some stuff you'll probably love too.

Cheers.

The internet is all about each of us taking things at our own pace. I write a lot... doesn't mean you need to be snappy. :biggrin:

Thanks for the reccomendations to come by the way, I hope I can make a few based on what you send. Be Well!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
714
  • · Replies 95 ·
4
Replies
95
Views
8K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
394
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
2K