I agree and think that the drippy accolades are actually counter productive. Why? Because it can become discouraging (as opposed to encouraging) to most (what I

I agree and think that the drippy accolades are actually counter productive. Why? Because it can become discouraging (as opposed to encouraging) to most (what I would consider) 'normal' smart people. It's the equivalent of walking into perhaps a high school dance and seeing a bunch of tall and good looking men (if you are a man) or beautiful, thin and poised women (if you are a woman). It becomes overwhelming in so many ways and intimidating. Now sure that feeling will spur some people on but just the same it will also turn some people off. And good people. [1] Think of all the people that might think 'wow this is what you get at Princeton'. Of course logically you know that is not the case and that this is a feature on one very special person. But emotionally (more powerful) that is not what the feeling is. [1] In reverse if you want proof of this point look at all the people that have entered politics and in particular the Presidential race since Trump was elected. People who in years earlier would have been scared off thinking they were not 'smart' enough. These are people who never realized that a President (regardless of what you think about Trump) does not have to know everything as he relies on others who have expertise (in theory).