How to spot an expert

When I discovered this list from Australian sociologist William D. Rifkin some 30 years ago, it blew my mind, because it had never occurred to me that many so-called “experts” are either self-designated or are crowd-designated by virtue of a ritualistic presentation of one’s self, and one’s material. This does not imply that there are no actual experts in the world, but rather that we should be a bit more discerning about the real ones and the poseurs.

What does it take to be regarded as the voice of authority? Here are twenty-five tips to gain “expert status”, to be recognized as an expert or perhaps just to be able to recognize when somebody is trying to make you think they are an expert.

Being HumanMary Rose AvilaJune 26, 2018Comment

RIP Bourdain

“Most of us are lucky to see Paris once in a lifetime. Please, make the most of it by doing as little as possible. Walk a little. Get lost a bit. Eat. Catch a breakfast buzz. Have a nap. Try and have sex if you can, just not with a mime. Eat again. Lounge around drinking coffee. Maybe read a book. Drink some wine. Eat. Repeat.” -Bourdain

Being HumanMary Rose AvilaJune 11, 2018

Zen Things: Rules to live by

Everyone can use a little ZEN in their life, right?

Most Popular, Being HumanRay BrimbleApril 6, 2018Comment

El Arroyo's Big Book of Signs, Vol 1

Over the past 25 years, I have always looked forward to driving past that quintessential Austin TexMex restaurant on 5th St, El Arroyo ( English translation: “ the Ditch”). Every day there’s a different saying on the marquee sign out front.

Being HumanRay BrimbleMarch 8, 2018Comment

Find the Change You Want to See in the World

I have to admit, my wonderful bad habit is fun. But as you may have guessed by now, it’s also a metaphor for something far more essential

Editor's Pick, Being HumanRay BrimbleJanuary 18, 2018

Bringing the Abstract into Concrete

Create something from nothing. Turn what was once just a glimmer in your eye into something of this world and for this world. All things of man that exist in the "real" world, all THINGS that ever were and ever will be, were first conceived in the mind of someone and somehow they "became."

Most Popular, Being HumanRay BrimbleJanuary 5, 2018Comment

Being flung into icy waters

Wait! What just happened? Did he really throw me in the deep end? Doesn't Dad know I cannot swim? Let's be reasonable.

Most Popular, Being HumanRay BrimbleDecember 6, 2017Comment

Karen and Ray Brimble: Community Builders, Impact Makers

“We’re incredibly lucky to live here. It’s important to both protect and project what’s best about Austin — its collective curiosity, collaborative nature and creative ideas — out into the world,” Ray says. “It feels great to be able to be a part of it.”

Being HumanMary Rose AvilaFebruary 3, 2017 Comment