Do you consider yourself a true expert at anything?

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OVerLoRDI

Diamond Member
Jan 22, 2006
5,490
4
81
I hate those kind of questions. I take the same stance as you regarding knowledge. There's a few things I'm in the upper percentile on, but I'd never call myself an expert. There's always more to learn, and refinements that can be made. I'm automatically distrustful of anyone who puts themselves forward as being an expert.

qft
 

RedRooster

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2000
6,596
0
76
I'm a 3 in a couple things, but definitely not 4s. Anyone that says they're an expert at something, is too content with what they know. You're good at it, at best.
 

TheSlamma

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2005
7,625
5
81
I don't know if I'm a 4 at anything, but I am defiantly a 2 or 3 at many different things. The only times I am really not a do-it-yourself kind is when I just don't have the equipment or it would be silly to spend resources on that equipment.
 

sactoking

Diamond Member
Sep 24, 2007
7,581
2,814
136
Considering that I've been called as an 'expert witness' in my profession, I'd say that I'm an expert at what I do for a living.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Recognizing cars, around 1995-2000 or newer, at a glance without badges or names, including many at night by headlight and taillight pattern.

It's a niche! :awe:
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
i do web professionally but this shit is so broad and changes too often too fast
 

Possessed Freak

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 1999
6,045
1
0
Certain games, while I might not always win I know the absolute competitive aspect of them... I never lose in Tic-Tac-Toe
 

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
21,204
66
91
Yes, but it might as well be in making buggy whips. I'm sure there's a manufacturer of connecting rods in China that doesn't know how best to run their forging press.
 

GotIssues

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2003
1,631
0
76
When I see these questions (really only see them in job applications), I take them as meaning compared to others, and I answer them accordingly. If I'm in the upper 5%, it's a 4.

My personal definition of "expert" doesn't mean that they know everything, but they know more than almost everyone AND know where to find the information they don't know - assuming the answer is known, at least.