Expanding on the ego posting:
It is pretty OK to have a big ego in the USA. People with huge egos are often admired, at least if they are also high achievers, just look at Bill Gates, Muhamad Ali, and Donald Trump.
It is much less OK in the UK.
And it is even less OK in Scandinavia (I am from Denmark), which is a very civilized, egalitarian, and socialistic society. This was actually a contributing reason to me moving out from Denmark, which I otherwise love dearly. (That and the taxes which go up to almost 70% for high earners, something which is obviously just another aspect of the same mentality.)
The Danes themselves recognize this as The Law Of Jante. Don't poke your head above the crowd! Read a great little essay about it.
I like this string of posts about ego vs. modesty. I think I'm trying to find a nice equilibrium between the two that works for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to summarize Canadians on this point... it seems that we applaud those who make, but that we also secretly like it when they get taken down some pegs.
On another point, I occasionally audition for plays where it basically comes down to the best person getting the part. That set-up often requires the mentality that you think you are great.
(Eolake: I find your blog an enjoyable and thoughtful read. Thanks!)