Item — HN Reader

I found the OP's style of introspection refreshing. I am not sure why it matters how many times he used the word 'I', after all, it is a post about the OP himself.

Yours is not even a valid criticism. How about commenting on the actual content surrounding the words you're focusing on instead of arbitrary metrics that enforce your own perceptions?

1 comments

There is a positive correlation between frequency of use of personal pronouns and of insecurity and inferiority.

This sort of inferiority can manifest itself structurally, eg. an army private vs. a captain, or individually, eg. insecurity and conceit. Based on the sheer volume of personal pronouns, it is clear that he is being subjected to a sort of myopia, and that he can't look at the issue objectively.

Removing oneself from the situation can be a valuable tool used to create objectivity, and one that this person has not attempted to employ.

I'd love to read more about the correlation you mention. Can you share a reference to a relevant publication ?

It was discussed in The Secret Life of Pronouns by James Pennebaker (Although I only read about his finding in an interview in HBR). A few of his most salient points are explained in this article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201108/the-is-have-i....

Through the wonders of Google Scholar, I give you: http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/pennebaker/r...

It is written for a psychology journal, but the Annual reviews series is typically not loaded down with any more than the usual academic journal.