How do you recognize an expert? – Daniel Lemire's blog

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the nature of expertise and how to recognize and acquire it. It argues that true expertise comes from practical experience in solving real-world problems, not just from academic knowledge or status signals.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Go back to the roots: experience

1. What is the key characteristic of an expert according to the article?

• An expert is someone who has repeatedly solved the concrete problem you are encountering, not just someone with academic knowledge.
• Experts have a track record and have had to face the consequences of their work, including failures, which are part of what makes them experts.

2. Why does expertise not transfer well across different domains?

• A plumber does not necessarily make a good electrician, and even within plumbing, there are problems that only some plumbers should solve.
• You cannot abstract a problem - studying fluid mechanics does not turn you into an expert plumber.

3. Why do employers value relevant experience?

• Employers seek expertise they can rely on, which is difficult to acquire in an academic or bureaucratic setting where problems are distant or abstract.
• Practical experience is more valuable than just academic knowledge, as it shows the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.

[02] How to become an expert

1. What are the key steps to becoming an expert according to the article?

• Work on real problems, not just study them in the abstract.
• Get a job with a company that has real problems to solve, or start your own business.
• Acquiring genuine expertise through practical experience is more valuable than just status signals or academic credentials.

2. Why might some people not seek genuine expertise?

• There is a status signal in showing a lack of practical skills, as it can indicate that one does not need to work with their hands.
• However, the article warns against falling for this reverse causality - broadcasting a lack of useful skills does not actually grant higher status if one does not already have it.

3. What are the benefits of acquiring genuine expertise?

• Expertise is a form of robust capital that can survive market crashes or political crises.
• It can also lead to greater confidence and happiness, as one does not need to worry as much about what others think if one can reliably get things done.