Made me think of a Darwin quote for some reason
Quote:Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science
Then there’s the Duning-Kruger effect, the tendency to overestimate one’s competence. Quite common.
My best guess is that poor Nick here is going through a midlife crisis, a depression, or both. He’s the right age for a mid lifer. Before attempting something like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)* he’ll need to seek medical help first.
Imagine at 39, still living with and supported by your parents, can’t hold a job or love interest and thinking you’re mentally superior to even the geniuses of the world. Nick may very well be the poster boy for mental health representing the before treatment side. Drug use isn’t helping, just compounding. It’s truly a sad case in my estimation. Me being right or wrong about him isn’t going to change anything for the better, just hope he understands he’s not alone and not the first to experience the feelings. If he can do that then perhaps there’s a chance to turn his life around.
Do you think an open discussion forum really helps Nick or people like him? All of a sudden instead of boasting to a family member about your knowledge of a subject, you can now speak/preach to a world which isn’t exactly shy about pointing out mistakes you never thought possible. Best maybe to STFU and seek professional assistance.
* Snake oil or real thing, I couldn’t say.