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The Impostor Syndrome
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The Impostor Syndrome

Alain de Botton
The School of Life, 2016
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8

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You have finally landed the promotion you’ve been working so hard toward. But instead of congratulating yourself, you’re suddenly stricken with self-doubt. You feel like a fraud and underqualified to handle the responsibility. If this sounds familiar, fear not. The impostor syndrome is an innate part of the human condition. Philosopher Alain de Botton analyzes the universal foible using a somewhat crass analogy. If you’ve ever felt out of your depth, de Botton reassures you that you’re not alone: It’s like that for most people, much of the time.

Summary

When you find yourself in a position of authority or esteem, do you feel like a phony? Do you believe that you aren’t fit for success, but others are? This is a common human idiosyncrasy. Individuals are all too aware of their own personal foibles but fail to recognize those same shortcomings and insecurities in others. Thus, when presented with responsibility or status, humans often feel unworthy. Known as the impostor syndrome, such feelings are universal and originate in childhood. Children consider adults to be different from them. Parents set bedtimes, drive cars and tell others what to do. Adults...

About the Speaker

Philosopher Alain de Botton founded of The School of Life, an educational company that advises on life issues.

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