100 men I admire

This started as “The PK Paradox” because I noticed this first with pastors. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it applies in almost any situation where I have “insider” information: musicians, social media experts, students, professors, and so on. The paradox goes like this: <blockquote>As your understanding of a particular field increases, your appreciation for “experts” in that field both increases <em>and</em> decreases.</blockquote> Here’s how it works: <ul> <li>The more you know about a given field, the more you realize the hard work, dedication, and in some cases natural skill of the real experts in that field.</li> <li>At the same time, though, the more you know about a given field, the more you can recognize the fakes, wannabes, and posers in that field.</li> </ul> Before you’re an insider, you don’t know enough to realize the talent or recognize the importers. As an insider, you have that knowledge. That’s how, as an insider, your respect for the field as a whole can increases and decreases at the same time.