“People are naturally more superficial with attractive people. In terms of impressions, there's a trade-off between competence and looks. We can't help making snap judgments, and beautiful people may have a hard time being seen as competent”
— Paul Graham
Simplified Meaning:
When we meet someone who is very good-looking, we often pay more attention to their appearance rather than their abilities or intelligence. This happens automatically and quickly because we tend to form immediate opinions based on how someone looks. This can make it challenging for attractive individuals to be recognized for their talents or skills. Imagine a well-dressed salesperson walking into a room. Many might focus on how stylish they are and overlook their professional expertise. As a result, the salesperson has to work harder to prove that they are not just about looks but also competent in their job. Anyone dealing with this can try to consistently demonstrate their knowledge and abilities to help others see beyond their appearance.
