Seven Ways to Combat Overvaluation and Insular Elitism

BIG IDEA In A Few Words

Albert Einstein is a fascinating case study in the overvaluation of ideas and the dangers of insular elitism. He constantly challenged the status quo and was on the wrong side of the academic elite in his field of study. His early attempts at submitting a doctoral dissertation were rebuffed because his ideas represented an attack on the scientific establishment. When we reflect on Einstein’s experiences it is tempting to believe our ability to spot talent, and engage mavericks is better than the scientific community of his day and we would never marginalize a paradigm-busting pioneer. That is a dangerous assumption.