Why Do PhDs Act Like They’re Better Than You?

R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness · May 22, 2025 · 13m

I get it — I’ve felt it too. I grew up far from academic circles. I was the first in my family to go away, and it always felt like everyone else was just more polished, more confident, more… something. But after years in academia and building the R3ciprocity Project, I’ve learned that what looks like arrogance is often just insecurity, stress, and isolation. Most of us are introverts forced into strange performances. You’ll meet some kind ones, and some who act like they’ve made it. Just remember: everybody puts their pants on the same way. If you’ve ever felt small or out of place around…