On the surface, it’s incredibly annoying. Even if it stems from a deep insecurity about intelligence or some manifestation of imposter syndrome, it’s hard to see anything other than someone bragging about their not-really-accomplishments. But I want to propose a flipside.

In the academic environment, there is great value placed on publications, intellectual conversation and elbow pads. The picture that we have of academics is fundamentally elitist. That’s its allure.