Lack Of Intelligence.

[Theland]

With the greatest lf respect to every ABer, I often feel out of my depth when confronting other ABers who appear to have university degrees, and / or have careers that simply make me look stupid in a debate.
Yes I know it is paranoia on my part, but it often makes me feel uncomfortable, as if my comments are worth less than the educated.
No question about me, but does anybody else feel this?

[bednobs]

nope

[Mamyalynne]

Never, I know it can be tough sometimes when others bring their qualifications into the frame - I have very few certificates etc but you have to stand tall and state your case and most importantly believe in yourself.

Equally if you know you are right then gather something to back you up.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't feel that your comments are worth less than the educated.

I am a little envious of those with good memories that seem to be able to support their position by apparently quoting stuff off the top of their head that I'd never recall and would have to spend a day looking up.

[-SharonA-]

Yes, I ain't gotta degree! But I sure try to give as good as I can.

[andy-hughes]

I never feel out of my depth conversing with anyone, ever.

If you can state your case with conviction, and back it up, you have nothing to fear.

I think, as a Christian, you have a seriously tough job convincing people of your beliefs, but to your credit, you never stop trying.

[retrocop]

I wouldn't worry too much Theland. There are terms known as "educated idiots," "B.S. baffles Brains". " you can slide further on B.S. than on gravel" etc. There are people with lesser education on this site than those who consider themselves superior academics yet life's experiences are what matter not what educational qualifications you have. I would sooner be in the company of those who have been there and done that and share their experience rather than some educated nerd who has achieved nothing other than a huge debt to pay their student debt. Look at the worthless dross at University who want to change history and haven't yet experienced the real world.
There are certainly some here, on this site. who's egos are so big I feel they are the type to join the Navy so the world can see them. :-)

[anneasquith]

Don't fret tl. We are all equal on the net. :-)

[kvalidir]

No I don't feel that simply because it's not true, certificates don't mean that anyone is more intelligent just that they have a certificate. You always come over as intelligent Theland, you can hold your own with the best of them. x

[Baldric]

I don't come on the Site as often as I did, I rarely join long debates because I just can't be bothered. If required I can hold my own with anyone, but there are a good few people on here nowadays who are so far up their own, it must be painful, it certainly is for the rest of us.

[Mamyalynne]

What I like about AB is that almost everyday in one way or another I learn something new - I may never need it again but it's banked in the memory cells.

[nailit]

Theland, my head is seriously up my *** at the moment. Trying my best to get on with life etc,.
Been a Christian isn't any insulation against lifes trials.

[jim360]

Whilst I agree that you shouldn't allow yourself to be intimidated by qualifications, I do wish that people wouldn't try to turn it around in the manner that retrocop has. Being world-smart and book-smart are not mutually exclusive, as a rule.

It also depends on the subject matter up for discussion. Although being more qualified doesn't make you automatically right in your subject matter, it stands to reason that it's going to help.

But anyway, don't let people wave qualifications in your face as a way of intimidation. Anyone who does that doesn't understand the point of earning those qualifications in the first place. It's not about showing off.

Dr. jim360 MA (Cantab), MMath

[jim360]

"If you can state your case with conviction, and back it up, you have nothing to fear."

Quite, although it also helps to be right from time to time :P

[Mamyalynne]

I agree Jim, turning it around is as bad and you don't need certs to be 'up yourself' either - anyone can pull that trick.

But you're still reported for swanking;-)

[Baldric]

I rest my case ^^^ ;o)

[Mamyalynne]

arf

[jim360]

To be fair, this is literally the only time I'd ever do something like that, and it's meant ironically (honest!)

[Theland]

I cannot abandon my beliefs.
Maybe it is paranoia, but I often feel patronised, humoured, and not take seriously.
But part of my belief, is an expectation, of ridicule and mockery.
The important thing for me is not to give back what I get, although I confess to having succumbed to the temptation to retaliate on occasion.
My apologies to those that have been on the receiving end of my occasional outbursts. (Ashamed.)

[tonyav]

Bet you ain't got a City and Guilds in engineering though, Jim ;-)

[Baldric]

I believe ya Jim, Honest ;o)