So-called professional mathematicians have, in their reliance on the relative incapacity of the rest of mankind, acquired for themselves a reputation for profundity very similar to the reputation for sanctity possessed by theologians.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Professionals build reputations by relying on others lack of expertise.
- In plain terms
- Experts seem deep because others cannot understand easily.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize expertise often depends on knowledge gaps.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does complexity hide lack of substance?
Another view
Some expertise genuinely requires deep specialized knowledge.
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