The Pretender of Proficiency

Not only in writing, but also in various fields, I often encounter people who 'pretend to be good at something'. It's so obvious to me that they are pretending that I don't interact with them much, but strangely, there are people who believe them just because they 'pretend'. When I see someone pretending to be good at something, I think, 'They're going to get into big trouble someday,' but lately, I've started to think, 'That's a skill in itself.'

A master craftsman doesn't pretend, but in the 21st century, there are so many people pretending that it seems like even a master craftsman needs to appear to be one to stand out... I've been thinking a lot about this lately.

▶ The basis of pretending to be good at your job is imitation. You imitate what you see on the surface, riding the waves of accomplishment and shame simultaneously, moving forward.

▶ Pretending is an act done to gain recognition. You have to make a living, get promoted, and find meaning, so you do difficult things as if they are nothing. If you pretend to be good at your job, will you actually become good at it and reach the pinnacle of your field?

It's sad to be someone who lives pretending and doesn't feel shame. When will I be able to work naturally without pretending? When will my moments of listlessness turn into moments of wonder? I wish it could be right now. Ah, I'm ashamed.

-Han Myeong-su, 'Malrangmalrang Saenggakbeop' (Flexible Thinking)