# Ever notice how some PhD holder are incredibly arrogant and think of themselves as gods? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 13, 2019, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468 "2019-02-13T15:35:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2019, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/101 "2019-02-19T22:26:13Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > Hey, I didn’t spend 5 years at Evil Doctor school to be called ‘Mr’! But wasn’t it a three-year program? 😃 I have a Master’s degree…in Science. Only get to brag about it here though.\* ☹ - may have to add that to my signature, along with my FCC 1st, 2d and 3d Class licenses. Yee-haw! ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2019, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/102 "2019-02-19T23:29:28Z")
In my professional experience, those who view getting their PhD as a finish line are the ones who act the most arrogant about it. Those who view it as a starting line are quite humble. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/103 "2019-02-20T01:35:33Z")
I’ve been listening to a bunch of videos in which Mayim Bialik talks about many things in her life, including working on her Ph.D. thesis in neuroscience. Some of these videos are interviews of her, while some are her speaking directly to her fans. Anyway, she talks about what a Ph.D. thesis is supposed to be like. She says specifically that it’s not generally supposed to be about proving some tremendously important theory in your field. Generally it’s a reasonable-sized project that looks at some small hypothesis. Sometimes you just end up showing that this hypothesis merely confirms the known larger theories in your field. Sometimes you just end up showing that the hypothesis you test can’t be proved within the limits of the time and money you have for a Ph.D. thesis. Sometimes you show that something you find looks interesting, although it will take a much larger experiment to confirm that interesting idea you’re come up with while doing the thesis. Rarely do you prove an important new theory of your field. So what you do in finishing your thesis is learning how research should be done. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/104 "2019-02-20T03:01:45Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > You have to show mastery in your entire field, like Math or Physics, before you are allowed to specialize. And you have to be able to handle a fairly substantial research project by yourself, and write it up. That’s far more significant than the topic of your dissertation in most cases. > I’m sure some people who don’t get PhDs can do this, but I suspect lots can’t. That’s all well and good, but don’t go to a doctor of archaeology to get a medical opinion,or a doctor of marine biology to learn how to design a rocket. The doctorate does not make you an expert at EVERYthing. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/105 "2019-02-20T03:12:02Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > Before that was Cyrus Smith, the engineer in The Mysterious Island. and Captain Nemo, and Doc Savage. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/106 "2019-02-20T03:13:06Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Except boat repair. rofl ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/107 "2019-02-20T03:13:49Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > That’s all well and good, but don’t go to a doctor of archaeology to get a medical opinion,or a doctor of marine biology to learn how to design a rocket. > > The doctorate does not make you an expert at EVERYthing. Unless you are the Professor, as I said above. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Nylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/77aa72/32.png) [@Mr.Nylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Nylock)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/108 "2019-02-20T03:18:55Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > We Humans have a tendency to want to BE gods. To have power, fame, wealth, whatever we think will make us happy, respected, feared and let us do whatever we want whenever we want it, regardless of the feelings or well being of others. > > Human Nature. > > Just like when some people get their black belts in a martial art, they immediately become swollen with pride and a false self-image of power, lord it over those of lower ranks and want to close the door behind them. This kind of thing is ludicrously common. > > So likewise when people gain any other position of power and influence, no matter how small the pond. > > Power corrupts. Yeah it gets annoying after a while. Everyone has their thing. I just judge people by how much money they have, it keeps things simple and digestable. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/109 "2019-02-20T07:19:02Z")
> [@Mr.Nylock](#): > > I just judge people by how much money they have, it keeps things simple and digestable. Yeah I guess I tend to cast a Spockian eyebrow at especially stock portfolio issues. > [@Chimera](#): > > Just like when some people get their black belts in a martial art, they immediately become swollen with pride and a false self-image of power, lord it over those of lower ranks and want to close the door behind them. This kind of thing is ludicrously common. I’ve encountered the exact opposite - everyone with a black belt I’ve ever met has been basically level-headed, with zippo attitude. I’m surprised you’ve come across the opposite of _that_, considering that martial arts requires discipline, which (for the most part - from what I’ve observed, anyway) carries over into the rest of one’s life. I guess we live in different parts where the water affects (certain kinds of?) black belts in different, mysterious ways.:o Sometimes I’ll bug dad in the middle of a conversation by goin “So, \_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_, Q.C.\*, um…” He’d respond along the lines of “What’s post-nominaled in the legislature, _stays_ in the legislature.” \*Queen’s Counsel ---
**Author:** ![dasmoocher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2019, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/110 "2019-02-20T10:05:04Z")
> [@xizor](#): > > In my professional experience, those who view getting their PhD as a finish line are the ones who act the most arrogant about it. Those who view it as a starting line are quite humble. No shit. My goal with getting a doctorate was to open doors. Similar to a business guy getting a MBA. You need the credential to further your career if that’s your path. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2019, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/111 "2019-02-22T05:15:38Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > Sometimes I’ll bug dad in the middle of a conversation by goin “So, \_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_, Q.C.\*, um…” He’d respond along the lines of “What’s post-nominaled in the legislature, _stays_ in the legislature.” > > \*Queen’s Counsel Most of the QCs I know just frame their patent, hang it on the wall, update their professional stationery, and that’s it. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/112 "2019-02-22T15:30:29Z")
As a doctorate-holding faculty member, I do take attendance. I notice the OP has not posted in this thread other than the first post. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2019, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/113 "2019-02-22T18:15:21Z")
The OP is a brand new poster with a total of 17 posts, nine of which are OPs. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2019, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/114 "2019-02-22T18:44:17Z")
> [@susan](#): > > As a doctorate-holding faculty member, I do take attendance. I notice the OP has not posted in this thread other than the first post. Look, son, I know you have commitments outside of class, but you made a commitment when you joined this [thread] too. And I have here your signed copy of the syllabus with your promise to be here on time every day, or suffer the consequences. And posting late equals a third of an absence. Do the math, you’ll see how deep the Pit is that you’re in. At this point, the best you can get for the semester is a D+ … and that’s if you show up every day, on time (in this thread; I don’t care if you make a witty takedown of **octopus** in the _Trolls R Us_ thread). And respond to other posters. They’ve made some provocative points; engage them, learn from them. I look forward to seeing you posting by 8 am tomorrow. Sincerely, Professor Doctor Bachelor Notary UrbanAchiever Digs Diggerson ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2019, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/115 "2019-02-23T23:55:18Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > The OP is a brand new poster with a total of 17 posts, nine of which are OPs. And hasn’t made any friends yet, according to his profile. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/116 "2019-02-24T00:49:13Z")
I’ve been here for 16 years and have 0 friends. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/117 "2019-02-24T04:30:35Z")
(Thank you, new friend.) ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/118 "2019-02-25T11:03:52Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Most of the QCs I know just frame their patent, hang it on the wall, update their professional stationery, and that’s it. And start banking larger paycheques… > [@susan](#): > > I’ve been here for 16 years and have 0 friends. I don’t understand what the function of “Friends” here is. It seems to have no purpose other than a very broad “Like” vote. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/119 "2019-02-25T13:22:16Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Unless you are the Professor, as I said above. Yup, he’s the one exception 😃 ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468/120 "2019-02-25T13:45:23Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I don’t understand what the function of “Friends” here is. It seems to have no purpose other than a very broad “Like” vote. Some sites get hung up on numbers of posts/upvotes/etc. It gets competitive, or people pad it to “achieve a new level”. I’m glad this place doesn’t have a running count of _Likes_ and _Friends._ I prefer to have all of you as friends… except that guy over there. he knows who he is… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-notice-how-some-phd-holder-are-incredibly-arrogant-and-think-of-themselves-as-gods/829468.md?page=7)