I was going to make an introductory post to enlighten all of my zero followers about my inspiration for starting a blog, but I remembered that no one gives a damn. Rather, I’m going to lose my blogging virginity talking about credibility, which seems like an appropriate choice given that embarking upon this endeavour semi-anonymously has left me with absolutely none.
Do you know why we exclusively listen to credible figures, even for something as subjective as basic life advice? Most would argue that it’s because we can be more certain on the validity of an opinion of whatever psychological phenomenon if it came from the mouth of Dr. SevenPhDsToMyName. Of course there is some truth in that, but I think it goes even further. I know it goes even further. That is just something you tell yourself to leave your ego out of it.
When Steve Jobs reads a professionally written speech with the old cliche of “it’s all about having a positive mindset,” it is not the same as when your high school features the janitor that has worked tirelessly for 15 years on its “Humans of _________” page saying “it’s all about having a positive mindset.” But why should one person have more authority than another when speaking about the benefit of a positive mindset?
It’s because if you were to take life advice, or any advice, from your high school sanitation engineer (regardless of how great they are), then you’re admitting to yourself that you have less credibility on subject XYZ than they do. It would be a way of surrendering your authority to someone who you (most likely) don’t aspire to become, which is not something that many are secure enough to accept.
Your ego is probably getting so big that you think the only person who could possible challenge you intellectually at this point is a Doctor of Philosophy from Harvard. And of course, I don’t blame you. We’re all guilty of it for a reason and it’s perfectly logical.
I am here to see whether it is possible to break through this wall of pride if my writing has enough appeal.
So if you’re bold enough, prove to yourself that you can break this innate desire to cherrypick your sources because your ability to think critically trumps your subconscious psychological bias. Listen to that janitor – you may learn something.
Welcome to my blog!
FJ
The Pensives 
I noted as a college student that the big scam was in. People quoted as fact what others wrote and in turn those they quoted acknowledged their wisdom. One book was recommended or mandated to be read in one college class and the teacher who also wrote a book was rewarded by having his book read in the other person college class at another institution. When the lies sound better than the truth view the lies as truth.
I met the author of The Devil’s Triangle and he admitted some of his truths were his opinions framed as truths. How much of our history is distorted? Who knows the truth?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting but not so surprising. Whenever one has enough authority that their listeners will take their word as fact, it takes a lot of self-discipline to refrain from taking advantage of that! This is especially relevant when analyzing historical accounts as they often go unchallenged. To complicate things even more, the truth is seldom black and white, so one who may think they’re reporting truth may be completely off the mark in another’s eyes! Anyways, I think the take home message is to always think critically regardless of who the source is.
LikeLike
I wrote the lie for you, give it a read and let me know what you think about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do!
LikeLike
Pleasant read. Nice post.
I recently noticed something as : “the volume of believable authority” that some are trying to build up. Self convincing of authority of something. It’s often found in public transport in Montreal. :).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! It’s about remembering we all have our own life experiences
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And yes, completely agree.
LikeLike