What About Nerds?
Are nerds a subtype of introverts? Not exactly. But it’s still instructive to look at some similarities.
The other day I was startled to hear someone refer to himself rather factually as a nerd, the way someone else might mention being Baha’i or from Mississippi. Perhaps the surprise was a holdover from my youth, when nerds skulked at the margin of the mainstream, looked down upon for their incomprehensible yet intense interests and their shunning of social graces.
Since then, of course, nerddom has emerged as one pathway not only to riches but also to influence and power. Think of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Another exemplar, Bill Gates, reportedly created a saying about this transformation that ended up on dorm room posters and T-shirts: “Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.”
Not all nerds are introverts. But many, maybe even most, are. Let’s look at the defining characteristics of nerds, their image in society and what lessons they might offer for introverts and everyone else at large.
Nerds, defined
A nerd has an intense interest in matters that average people ignore or shun. These niche topics are often highly technical or abstract, with minute distinctions and esoteric projects. For instance, a nerd might be obsessed with rocks and minerals, Japanese comic books, Hungarian linguistics, the earliest computers, or theories about medieval warlords. They delve very deeply into their areas of interest.
Nerds are often extremely smart, though not necessarily. They don’t prioritize physical attractiveness or popularity. They’re indifferent to any usefulness of their interests. A food nerd, for example, would proudly know differences between various species of kohlrabi just for the sake of knowing, while a foodie or gourmet would care about ways of preparing that vegetable that enhance its natural flavor texture and appeal.
Introverts are defined not by the marginality or intensity of their interests but by their energy habits and preferences. Introverts more easily get overwhelmed by hubbub and crowds and need to retreat to solitude or a small group to recharge.
Stereotypically, both nerds and introverts are viewed as social rejects, but the image of both as friendless loners is a misconception. Nerds can be outgoing and charismatic among others who share their interests, and introverts can be socially smooth with a devoted (if rather small) circle of friends.
Nerds’ lessons for all of us
Almost by definition, nerds do not conform. Because of their arcane interests and lagging social skills, they’re often bullied at school. Nevertheless, it’s rare for a nerd to abandon what they care about and strive to be popular. They may suffer for being outcasts, but that doesn’t motivate them to change in order to fit in.
Nerds demonstrate the power of intrinsic motivation at work – pursuing something for the pure love of it. They generally do not chase after money, prizes, status or pats on the back, although such rewards can come their way from extraordinary results of their pursuits. Nerds are unapologetic about what brings them fulfillment and joy.
Enthusiasm and curiosity drive them. They crave knowing what, why and how, and they are willing to work hard for that knowledge, by reading difficult material, seeking out experts, sharing ideas with others in their niche and possibly undertaking tedious experiments.
Nerds choose to follow their passions and put up with the consequences, such as being mocked or ostracized. They’re uncool, misunderstood and just a bit hurt at being considered unlikeable.
With today’s global Internet, nerds more easily find community, even for the most unusual pastimes. Many gather with likeminded folks in specialized online forums and at real-world cosplay events. With a simple Google search, they can find appealing role models and inject themselves with prideful immunity to others’ barbs.
I’ll let a few more self-proclaimed nerds have the final words:
“I am, and ever will be, a white sock, pocket protector, nerdy engineer.” – Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the moon
“Being a nerd really pays off sometimes.” – Ken Jennings, who holds the record for the longest winning streak ever on Jeopardy
“When people call people nerds, mostly what they’re saying is, ‘you like stuff.’ Which is not a good insult at all. It’s like ‘You are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness.’” – John Green, best-selling author