Rule: If you have to say that you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re not the smartest person in the room.
Not by a long shot.
Corollary: Let others sing your praises. Self-praise is almost always disgusting. If you don’t feel like you’re getting the credit you deserve, you haven’t earned it. Try harder. Do better.
Corollary to the corollary: If you engage in self-praise, please know that people will most assuredly disparage you when you’re no longer present. Most people find self-praise reprehensible.
Addendum to the corollary of the corollary: Self-praise is permitted in the private company of spouses, significant others, and parents, as well as in interviews and salary negotiations. Even then, deploy it with grace, humility, and moderation.
Additional addendum to the corollary of the corollary: Self-praise is permitted when spoken to oneself as positive affirmations. Neuroscience tells us that positive statements about oneself can improve mood, motivation, and overall well-being. Just keep those compliments to yourself.
Additional addendum to the corollary of the corollary: Sarcastic, exaggerated, tongue-in-cheek self-praise is permitted when done for amusement, because it’s not meant to be taken seriously and humor rules.
Many of our politicians and business leaders would be wise to adhere to these rules, but sadly, it would seem that at least a third of Americans find self-praise appealing, which leads me to this final bit of advice:
Final addendum to the corollary of the corollary: If you can’t see self-praise as pathetic, inane, and meaningless, your intellect deserves little or no praise.
Amazing bit of wisdom, if I do say so myself.
