# Do you have a superiority complex? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 7, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316 "2009-12-07T14:34:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/81 "2009-12-08T05:52:21Z")
Rather than superior, I mostly feel luckier than the average person. I’m lucky that I was good at math and science in school. I’m lucky that I was able to convert that ability into a well-paying career. I’m lucky that I was able to meet and marry a wonderful woman. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/82 "2009-12-08T06:02:11Z")
In some ways. I know what my IQ is and how it compares to the average…that doesn’t help foster a sense of humbleness. But on the other hand, being smart doesn’t make you a **better** person, or even a more successful one. Statistically speaking, there have to be a lot of people with IQs lower than mine who have done a hell of a lot more with their lives than I have to date. ---
**Author:** ![Cullain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d26b3c/32.png) [@Cullain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cullain)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/83 "2009-12-08T08:00:51Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > The problem is that intelligence, education or curiosity are just a handful of traits out there which are considered desirable. > > I believe many people on SD are above average when it comes to intelligence, education or curiosity. But I don’t know why that’d necessarily make one superior or give a person a superiority complex. I’m sure there are tons of people here who are terrible cooks, who have terrible marriages, stuck in crappy jobs, few friends, terrible health, terrible athletes, etc. Most people are great at some things and terrible at others. > > The real question is why would intelligence, curiosity, insightfulness or education (which people on SD seem to generally have more of than the average person) necessarily translate into generalized superiority? Do people on message boards full of cooks have a superiority complex because they are better at cooking than most people? If not, why would a board devoted to creativity, debate and curiosity (which ends up attracting creative, curious, educated and intelligent people) do that? I don’t really seem to notice that on this board, but I’m not sure why it would have that effect anyways. > > And again, true narcissistic personality disorders and superiority complexes are in some/many cases an attempt to compensate for feelings of shame, weakness or rejection in other areas. > > [Web Page Under Construction](http://www.ptypes.com/compensatory-narpd.html) People that are bright, curious, insightful, and well-educated value often those things, and therefore view themselves as above average. People that are very good looking often value looks, and view themselves as above average. People that are fit and athletic often value athletic ability, and view themselves as above average. Just human nature. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/84 "2009-12-08T09:48:15Z")
I used to, but not anymore. edit: Actually, I used to have a\* false \*superiority complex, where I thought I was better than those better than me. Now, I have a superiority complex only to my inferiors. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/85 "2009-12-08T13:41:10Z")
> [@Superhal](#): > > Now, I have a superiority complex only to my inferiors. And where do you find them? (thank you, Dorothy Parker) ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316/86 "2009-12-08T15:54:44Z")
> [@kmgraves](#): > > Chessic Sense, please refer to the post by Half Man Half Wit What about it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316.md?page=4)