About this video
- Video Title: The Impostor Syndrome
- Channel: The School of Life
- Speakers: The School of Life (narration)
- Duration: 00:06:48
Overview
This video explains the impostor syndrome, a feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of success. It delves into the childhood roots of this syndrome, stemming from the perceived gap between children and their parents, and links it to the fundamental human condition of knowing ourselves from the inside but others only from the outside. The video suggests that a "leap of faith" in recognizing the universality of flaws and anxieties in others, exemplified by Montaigne's writings, can help overcome impostor syndrome and humanize our perception of successful individuals.
Key takeaways
- Impostor Syndrome: This is a crippling thought that one cannot triumph because of perceived personal flaws, leading to feelings of being an impostor, especially when faced with responsibility or prestige.
- Root Cause: The syndrome stems from an unhelpful picture of others, failing to recognize that everyone is flawed beneath a polished surface.
- Childhood Origins: Early childhood experiences create a strong impression that competent adults are fundamentally different from children, contributing to the feeling of inadequacy.
- Human Condition: We know ourselves intimately with all our anxieties and idiocies, but only see others from the outside, leading to a distorted and limited view of them.
- Solution - Leap of Faith: Overcoming impostor syndrome involves accepting that others' minds work similarly to ours, and they too experience anxieties, doubts, and vulnerabilities.
- Montaigne's Example: The philosopher Montaigne's point that "kings and philosophers shit and so do ladies!" illustrates that even highly regarded individuals share basic human functions and frailties, debunking the idea that these make one an impostor.
- Humanizing Others: Recognizing the shared inner frailties of others, whether it's digestive issues or psychological self-doubt, helps humanize the world and dismantle the barriers to success and fulfillment.
