Observations In The Land of Experts
Brief
May 1, 2026
Observations In The Land of Experts
"It is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows"
-Epictetus
Being dubbed an “expert” is a double-edged sword. It can, and often does, indicate a higher degree of knowledge about a particular topic or practice. The formal designation of “expert” also frequently means you can demand a higher price for your expertise. It can also lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, as I’ve observed repeatedly over the years.
I was only ever adjudicated an “expert” once in my time in law enforcement. The irony was, for all of the trials and testimony I had in my home jurisdiction, it was a case outside of that jurisdiction for which I was put forth as and deemed an “expert” by the Court.