The slippery slope of striving for perfection

Most people try their best to be well regarded by others. We all want to be seen as knowing lots of stuff and doing good work. This pursuit can be dangerous, though, when it crosses the line of dishonesty.

Some people, usually people with some sort of authority over others, act to maintain an image of superiority or perfection. They fear being undermined by others, thereby being unseated from their position. They become pretentious and arrogant. They create a false image of superiority or performance, building a gap between their actual abilities and the image of what their abilities are.

And they succeed. Until they trip up. And everyone makes mistakes, eventually.

And when they trip up, their mistake is met with criticism because their actions are measured to the inflated standard they’ve worked hard to develop and maintain. If in creating their false image they’ve disappointed or wronged anyone, those people will develop a feeling of redemption instead of support in the face of the person’s misstep.

It’s much better to always be honest with your abilities and level of knowledge. Don’t pretend you know more than you do. Disclose and own up when you make a mistake. Don’t belittle others to maintain an image of superiority, but rather treat others with respect, dignity, and generosity. Don’t work to claim trophies of prestige; instead let others’ respect reach you where you’ve earned it.