What exactly does it take to be an ‘expert’ in ANYTHING in today’s world.
In some cases (it appears) all one has to do is say they are one.
Whenever I see _________ expert I am reminded of G Castanza saying to J Seinfeld:
He is a Civil War Buff.
I always wanted to be a Civil War Buff.
What does it take for one to be called a Civil War Buff?
Of course we need people like George around to solve the MAJOR PROBLEMS while the rest of us tackle the little things.
Best definition I've ever heard (can't remember who said it) is that an expert is someone who can consistently make predictions in his field of expertise that are significantly more accurate than chance. Simply knowing a lot about something doesn't qualify, since expertise involves knowing how something works, not just having encyclopedic knowledge.