There's a striking difference between people who habitually feign more confidence or expertise than they actually have, and people who underplay their hands, keep a low profile, and surprise one by knowing more than is obvious at first glance.
Bluffing works for a while, sometimes, especially when used in an environment of ignorance or transience. Maybe a few can make a career of it, moving along to other jobs before the façade is penetrated. But what's the point? Have they actually accomplished anything by this deception? How much nicer to do good, even without recognition or credit, and leave the world a better place.
Thursday, April 22, 1999 at 08:02:28 (EDT) = 1999-04-22
(correlates: RememberMe, Boston Public Library, ThroughObscurity, ...)