That's a good insight about Dunning-Kruger meeting the criteria for a sticky idea. I think the fit may be even better than you say. Everyone knows somebody who

That's a good insight about Dunning-Kruger meeting the criteria for a sticky idea. I think the fit may be even better than you say. Everyone knows somebody who overestimates themselves in an annoying way, and I think DK hooks up with these memories instantly. So while DK is not a story per se, it might as well be; it releases stories in the brain. I'd add another reason for the surprising catchiness of the Dunning-Kruger Effect: it's easy to say. Seriously, say "Dunning-Kruger Effect" several times: it's easy to say and actually feels good, like you've said something really substantive. Sounds trivial, but I bet it isn't. Edit: oh and here's another: it's self-flattering. Who, on hearing this principle, has ever thought, "Oh, that's just like me, always overrating myself"? No. We all identify with the competent hero, unappreciated even by himself.