Self-Image
What did others–colleagues, friends, family–know about him that Jamie did not? Being an experienced opticalphysicistbiologist, he designed and built a helmet which, worn and plugged into his brain, would allow himself to see and hear what others thought about him. He was simply curious. But before going to work he put the helmet on for the first time, then read two of his best work reports. He realized they were…uninspired. He looked at his paintings on the walls which always spoke to him–now they said “Blah.”
Concerned, Jamie went to work wearing the helmet. He heard work conversations quite differently. His suggestions were listened to but he heard everyone wondered when he would finish. They liked him but he saw he was only…tolerated. Jamie left work, took off the helmet and sat on a bench, depressed. He could not change himself—he did not want to. That left acceptance. Acceptance he was below average. That he was uninspired. He felt old and drained. What people thought of him—that was who he was.
He retired.
Later that month his invention was made public. People were astounded. Jamie won awards for his unique creation. Recognition came to Jamie, although it took time for him to digest what it meant–to his self-worth.
With a new confidence he began writing his memoires (using AI.)