Educated people Quote by Austin Kleon
““You might be scared to start. That’s natural. There’s this very real thing that runs rampant in educated people. It’s called “impostor syndrome.” The clinical definition is a “psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments.” It means that you feel like a phony, like you’re just winging it, that you really don’t have any idea what you’re doing.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Creative Life, 2019
People often doubt their competence despite evidence of success, a feeling known as impostor syndrome.
In simple terms: Doubt despite success.
Recognize achievements, challenge self‑doubt.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- job interviews
- public speaking
- new projects
- leadership roles
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence of your success can you list?
- How can you reframe self‑criticism?
Self‑doubt can persist even with external validation.