I was thinking about smart people this morning, and the phrase ‘stable genius’ came to mind.

In my long career, it has been my privilege to meet—and even to work with—quite a few people who were unquestionably of genius level. I am quite sure that none of them, not even one, ever told me that they were a genius. Nonetheless, it was clear.

In my long life, almost everyone I have met has been pretty stable. Oh, I’ve known a few randos, but only a few. Of the stable people, none of them, not even one, ever told me that they were stable.

So, I guess, if someone were to tell me that they were a “very stable genius”, well, one way or another we’re dealing with a very low probability event. I know how I’d bet.

See also: “I am not a crook”.