I looooove this essay!! I’m writing this in my notebook: “She did not wish to seek admiration for her ideas, in other words, but simply wished to get better at what she did.” I resonate so much with this impulse and loved the example of de Beauvoir (who I often read and wonder how she could *ever* feel inadequate) experiencing these very human doubts and questions.
Such a great piece, Kate, and the literary references make it all the more tangible and poignant. I do think sometimes that questioning oneself is also simply a kind of awareness that we are all ephemeral and treading on thin lines. That realization that a lot of people won't like our work (even for de Beauvoir and Angelou) makes it all that more important to share it and to understand it as part of a dialogue of many views. However, at the same time, yes it's also a product of not feeling good enough perhaps because there's not enough positive feedback out there or even when there is, we question the rest of it because our imaginations of achievement are rarely accurate. Not sure, but I feel this, too! And think this idea of the juggle - especially but not only for women (& mothers) - can feel like a dangerous balance. We can spend so much time worrying where to place our time and energy that we become figuratively paralyzed.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on this one, Kate :) I was unsure about writing it (impostor, much?! ha) but it is an idea I think we all grapple with at one time or another, and I find it both gratifying and puzzling that so many accomplished writers still suffer from it. I think your ideas around a shared dialogue is a good one. I agree totally about the ways in which we can become figuratively paralyzed by too much worrying or overthinking!
It is puzzling isn't it? I guess at some point you just have to go for it despite the doubts, which shall remain. I wonder if everyone feels it and just thinks it would be weak to voice it?
Listened to this on my run. Wow, the research around it is amazing and it is such a real thing that happens. This is well written and takes a broad perspective which I really liked too.
Thank you! 😊 I realised that it went a bit deeper into research and other areas of the theme rather than sticking solely with a literary discussion, so I'm glad it worked on that level.
An interesting piece, thank you Kate. This particular quote from Simone de Beauvoir could relate to the Substack community: “Rather than questioning her right to be amongst such esteemed peers, she embraced the knowledge that she still had much to learn, imagining herself as part of a collective project.”
I agree, such a great connection to make, Victoria! We are all learning and sharing knowledge on here, as well as bringing different perspectives to everything we encounter. I always learn from your pieces 😀
It’s very reassuring to see these examples of literary imposter syndrome - and I think every writer deals with it at some point. This is such a poignant and insightful look at imposter syndrome on a personal and literary level. Thank you for sharing x
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) I think it resonated with a lot of people, which convinces me that far more of us suffer from it than we might think!
Am so late in saying how much I loved this. But I really did. I related to so much.
And this is great wisdom to remember indeed: “although we may not consider ourselves an ‘expert’ in the piece we are writing, we are the only person who will convey the message in the way that we do.” So thank you for that!
Ah, thank you Amy! I think this post resonated with a lot of people, which shows how prevalent this issue is. Keep on putting out the words only you can convey ❤
This was such a lovely take on imposter syndrome and like others, it did make me feel better about my own worries when I saw that these famous authors also struggle with the same! Reframing as writing for ourselves or to improve our skills is nice, yet it's hard not to check the stats for some sense of external approval. It's a nice reminder, though, to think "what would de Beauvoir say?" :)
For women, it's definitely society's gendered conditioning. As you say, we strive for perfection, but only because if we publish something "perfect", then we won't be criticized, put down, they wouldn't challenge our place there.
I have less than 100 subscribers here and although I dream of more, I also know it's easier to publish now than when I will be aware of the hundreds of eyeballs on the other side of the screen...
Thank you for your comments, Monica. I agree, the need to be "perfect" is a difficult obstacle to overcome. I also think you are spot on with your observation about subcribers. There is a great freedom in having less to lose, yet we also don't want to limit ourselves, especially when we feel we have something worth sharing.
As someone who has spent all her adult life in academia, I just wanted to say that I loved this piece. It is truly amazing how easy it is to forget that we all have different strengths and interests that make us all different that we can all contribute differently, even if not "brilliantly." But also, so much "feedback" structures have been built around ruthlessness and meanness for the sake of "honesty" that we forget that criticism can be constructive, meaningful, and helpful...
This piece is so good, Kate. So much richness as you weave your own thoughts into the words of some amazing women writers through history. The story of Simone de Beauvoir excites my heart ... returning to grad school recently, I have felt everything on the spectrum from "I have decades of experience and belong here" to "these kids are so smart and I have no clue what anyone is saying and what am I doing here" ... and what helps a lot is reminding myself that I bring to the table exactly what I bring and that I'm there to eat from the dishes that everyone has brought from the table and learn and grow.
I think that's a great way to look at it, Kathryn; we all bring something to the table based on our own experiences, background, age...etc. I work part-time with a group of mostly younger people and I love the way we all get something from that, sharing knowledge and different perspectives! Thank you for reading and engaging with the piece :)
I looooove this essay!! I’m writing this in my notebook: “She did not wish to seek admiration for her ideas, in other words, but simply wished to get better at what she did.” I resonate so much with this impulse and loved the example of de Beauvoir (who I often read and wonder how she could *ever* feel inadequate) experiencing these very human doubts and questions.
I know!!! Isn't that such a wonderful way to look at it?! Like, we always have more to learn. I think it takes off the pressure off.
Such a great piece, Kate, and the literary references make it all the more tangible and poignant. I do think sometimes that questioning oneself is also simply a kind of awareness that we are all ephemeral and treading on thin lines. That realization that a lot of people won't like our work (even for de Beauvoir and Angelou) makes it all that more important to share it and to understand it as part of a dialogue of many views. However, at the same time, yes it's also a product of not feeling good enough perhaps because there's not enough positive feedback out there or even when there is, we question the rest of it because our imaginations of achievement are rarely accurate. Not sure, but I feel this, too! And think this idea of the juggle - especially but not only for women (& mothers) - can feel like a dangerous balance. We can spend so much time worrying where to place our time and energy that we become figuratively paralyzed.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on this one, Kate :) I was unsure about writing it (impostor, much?! ha) but it is an idea I think we all grapple with at one time or another, and I find it both gratifying and puzzling that so many accomplished writers still suffer from it. I think your ideas around a shared dialogue is a good one. I agree totally about the ways in which we can become figuratively paralyzed by too much worrying or overthinking!
It is puzzling isn't it? I guess at some point you just have to go for it despite the doubts, which shall remain. I wonder if everyone feels it and just thinks it would be weak to voice it?
I think it's possible that we all do at some point.
Listened to this on my run. Wow, the research around it is amazing and it is such a real thing that happens. This is well written and takes a broad perspective which I really liked too.
Brilliant research and writing.
Thank you! 😊 I realised that it went a bit deeper into research and other areas of the theme rather than sticking solely with a literary discussion, so I'm glad it worked on that level.
An interesting piece, thank you Kate. This particular quote from Simone de Beauvoir could relate to the Substack community: “Rather than questioning her right to be amongst such esteemed peers, she embraced the knowledge that she still had much to learn, imagining herself as part of a collective project.”
I agree, such a great connection to make, Victoria! We are all learning and sharing knowledge on here, as well as bringing different perspectives to everything we encounter. I always learn from your pieces 😀
I question myself regularly, but I’m trying not to. And, on the contrary, I learn from you :)
Too kind :)
Wonderful connection.
Isn't it?!
I loved the way you used the perspective of Simone de Beauvoir to tackle this topic. It really opened it up.
Thanks! It's great when I have a theme in mind and manage to find an example of someone I admire to convey a perspective on it. Thanks for reading :)
It’s very reassuring to see these examples of literary imposter syndrome - and I think every writer deals with it at some point. This is such a poignant and insightful look at imposter syndrome on a personal and literary level. Thank you for sharing x
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) I think it resonated with a lot of people, which convinces me that far more of us suffer from it than we might think!
Am so late in saying how much I loved this. But I really did. I related to so much.
And this is great wisdom to remember indeed: “although we may not consider ourselves an ‘expert’ in the piece we are writing, we are the only person who will convey the message in the way that we do.” So thank you for that!
Ah, thank you Amy! I think this post resonated with a lot of people, which shows how prevalent this issue is. Keep on putting out the words only you can convey ❤
This was such a lovely take on imposter syndrome and like others, it did make me feel better about my own worries when I saw that these famous authors also struggle with the same! Reframing as writing for ourselves or to improve our skills is nice, yet it's hard not to check the stats for some sense of external approval. It's a nice reminder, though, to think "what would de Beauvoir say?" :)
Absolutely! It's hard not to get caught up in that need for validation or approval, I think. But if we can channel a bit more Beauvoir...
Thank you for reading :)
For women, it's definitely society's gendered conditioning. As you say, we strive for perfection, but only because if we publish something "perfect", then we won't be criticized, put down, they wouldn't challenge our place there.
I have less than 100 subscribers here and although I dream of more, I also know it's easier to publish now than when I will be aware of the hundreds of eyeballs on the other side of the screen...
Thank you for your comments, Monica. I agree, the need to be "perfect" is a difficult obstacle to overcome. I also think you are spot on with your observation about subcribers. There is a great freedom in having less to lose, yet we also don't want to limit ourselves, especially when we feel we have something worth sharing.
Exactly. In the end, we get to the same point: just focus on your truth and on your craft, and the rest... it has a life and logic of its own.
“She preferred learning to showing off” is both a great quote and healthy mindset to have. Thanks for such a thoughtful piece on this topic.
Thanks, Renee! Beauvoir's attitude was such a refreshing way to consider the topic.
As someone who has spent all her adult life in academia, I just wanted to say that I loved this piece. It is truly amazing how easy it is to forget that we all have different strengths and interests that make us all different that we can all contribute differently, even if not "brilliantly." But also, so much "feedback" structures have been built around ruthlessness and meanness for the sake of "honesty" that we forget that criticism can be constructive, meaningful, and helpful...
Absolutely agree re "feedback" structures. Constructive and supportive, with everyone's strengths recognised as valuable, is the way to go :)
This piece is so good, Kate. So much richness as you weave your own thoughts into the words of some amazing women writers through history. The story of Simone de Beauvoir excites my heart ... returning to grad school recently, I have felt everything on the spectrum from "I have decades of experience and belong here" to "these kids are so smart and I have no clue what anyone is saying and what am I doing here" ... and what helps a lot is reminding myself that I bring to the table exactly what I bring and that I'm there to eat from the dishes that everyone has brought from the table and learn and grow.
I think that's a great way to look at it, Kathryn; we all bring something to the table based on our own experiences, background, age...etc. I work part-time with a group of mostly younger people and I love the way we all get something from that, sharing knowledge and different perspectives! Thank you for reading and engaging with the piece :)