Isaac Asimov was known as a bit of an egoist1 but this was something that he openly acknowledged. He called these “charming Asimovian immodesties” and later referred to his attitude as “cheerful self-appreciation.” However, once in a while, he could come across as brilliantly modest. For instance, this quote from him which I read a few days back. I think it is especially applicable today, when the Internet acts as a gigantic megaphone-without-filters and we see follies magnified all around us, from those within and without the spotlight.
It is always a little difficult for me to laugh freely at the follies of mankind. If I look closely enough, I find that I share them all.
Would that we could all take this attitude from time-to-time before making dumb decisions.
- That is a bit of understatement. ↩
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