Part 4/7:
A core issue, according to Laura, is the shifting parameters of what constitutes credibility. In the past, admiration was reserved for creators, thinkers, and innovators—those who made tangible contributions. Today, the culture seems to reward individuals who can hold our gaze the longest, regardless of the depth or quality of their ideas.
She laments that entertainment and emotional performance often substitute genuine expertise. A well-lit, theatrical monologue can be mistaken for leadership, and brand partnerships or social media buzz can masquerade as wisdom. This superficiality dilutes the value of true expertise and erodes the standards of credible influence.