“The influence of narcissism on so many aspects of science calls into question [its] very objectivity.” — Bruno Lamaitre, quoted in The Guardian

Academics tend toward the pretentious, but express different attitudes in different fields. I used to wonder why some fields had exploitative hierarchies, and others less so. I assumed it had some functional or historical precedent. I now believe it’s personal: people are attracted to these fields because the professional behavior suits their personalities…

I’m glad I became a therapist. I now engage deeply with people with whom I have nothing in common and from whom I have nothing to gain, at least not directly. I gain indirectly by learning how people’s minds work; something scientists try to hide.

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Where You’ll Find the Devil

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