this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2023
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A lot of it has to do with wanting to be superior. They have feelings of not having control so they tell themselves and each other that everyone else is stupid and being fooled but not them, they are the smart few, they know the truth, they are the in crowd.
I have wondered if there is just a tolerance people have for feeling dumb. How much can you endure? If you can handle a lot you can continue to learn, doesn't mean you will means you can. If you can't handle a lot you make your life in such a way as you don't have to feel that way. Like someone with a phobia who just always finds ways to not be around it. If I am right conspiracy theories are a coping mechanism to avoid the feeling of inadequacy.
For myself my work is willing to pay for me to go back to school part time and I admit there is a part of me afraid of feeling stupid around all those kids fresh out of high school.
This sounds well thought out. I would say inadequacy and superiority are two sides of the same coin. If it helps you probably will be stupid around those other kids but not forever. You’ll get through it and be better for it. It sounds like you already know that