The Seven Deadly Sins · Episode 1 · Pride

Almost everyone thinks they're above average.

AD 590

Pope Gregory I called pride the queen of all vices.

By definition

Only half of us can be above the middle.

Svenson, 1981 · students rate their own driving

In the US, 93% put themselves in the top half.

The top half holds 50

So at least 43 of the 93 must be wrong.

Svenson, 1981 · Sweden

In Sweden, 69% said the same.

Cross, 1977 · University of Nebraska faculty

Experts are no different.

Cross, 1977

68% placed themselves in the top quarter.

Scopelliti et al., 2015 · 661 adults

Are you more biased than the average person?

Out of 661

One person said yes.

Why pride hides

Believing you're above average feels just like being it.

So

Check yourself against a measure, not a feeling.