Most people rate themselves above average in skills and traits, which is impossible. This is due to a cognitive bias called illusory superiority. Incompetent people overestimate themselves, while the best underestimate themselves. Western culture values self-esteem, while Eastern cultures value self-improvement.
It turns out that being a little overconfident is simply human nature. When asked to rate certain skills and traits, such as intelligence, charity, or the ability to drive, most people rate themselves above average, such as a score of 7 out of 10. But by definition, it’s impossible for the majority of people above average. This phenomenon is actually a well-known cognitive bias called illusory superiority. Psychologists theorize that a certain degree of self-delusion actually protects a person’s mental health. It is also likely that people generally lack the skills to accurately assess their own abilities.
Our above-average culture:
Studies have shown that incompetent people are more likely to overestimate their own abilities, while the best are more likely to underestimate themselves, says Cornell psychologist David Dunning.
Most people rate others highly, but are extremely positive about themselves. “When it comes to us, we think it comes down to our intention, our effort, our desire,” Dunning explains.
“North Americans seem to be the kings and queens of overestimation,” Dunning says, adding that, in general, Western culture values self-esteem, while Eastern cultures value self-improvement.
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