"One of the things that characterizes good intellectual work is a certain self-importance"

Good intellectual work stands apart from mediocrity through the weight and seriousness in which it is undertaken. The assertion that self-importance characterizes such work suggests that great thinkers regard their ideas and contributions with a degree of gravity. This isn’t a call for arrogance or narcissism, but rather a belief in the value and potential impact of one’s endeavors. When approaching complex problems or pursuing discoveries, the most important thinkers and researchers often carry a sense of responsibility, convinced, at least in part, that what they are addressing matters significantly, not simply for personal advancement but for the broader field or even humanity at large.

This sense of self-importance drives intellectuals to push boundaries and uphold high standards. It is what motivates them to persist through failure, criticism, and the tedium of detail. Believing that their work changes how others see, understand, or interact with the world, they invest in depth, rigor, and originality. Without this internal conviction, one’s motivation might falter, work becomes perfunctory, and its value diminishes. Often, it is only those who consider their work crucial who produce insights that matter; their self-importance becomes a catalyst for creativity and endurance.

However, this attitude is not without risk. If unchecked, self-importance can tip into inflexibility, defensiveness, or elitism. Nonetheless, within balance, it underpins intellectual curiosity and ambition. It frames the internal narrative that what’s being done is not merely routine, but possibly transformative. By considering their contributions as important, thinkers position themselves to set ambitious objectives, approach puzzles with seriousness, and take intellectual risks necessary for innovation.

Ultimately, self-importance in intellectual work is an engine harnessed for progress. It is less about pride and more about a conviction that one’s labor conveys significance, demanding both attention and excellence. Through that self-imposed weight, the best intellectual advances are propelled forward.