Egoism

From Fancyclopedia 2, ca. 1959

A noticeable characteristic of the typical fan is the high esteem he has for himself. No true fan but will freely admit he's uncommonly intelligent, tho the antics of some who claimed genius have rather put us off pretensions to superhuman IQs. There is much foundation for this estimate of fan intelligence, but in youths aged around twenty it frequently takes a Byronic turn.

From Fancyclopedia 2 Supplement, ca. 1960

"Perhaps", suggests Art Rapp, "you should include a philosophical musing upon the fact that fans are less reluctant to be egoistic than most outsiders. Haven't you noticed that people helping you in your task of collecting memorable bits of fanhistory are usually most concerned that their past cleverness not be overlooked? I once pointed out to Nan Gerding that the fascination of fans with their own ancient fanzines would no doubt be equated by psychologists with the fact that an infant, until discouraged by adult disapproval, displays a vast amount of interest in his excretions. I'm sure Laney would have agreed.

From Fancyclopedia 1, ca. 1944

A noticeable characteristic of the typical fan is the high esteem he has for himself. No true fan but will freely admit that he's a genius. There is some foundation for this estimate of fan intelligence, but in youths aged around twenty, it frequently takes a Byronic turn. J. Chapman Miske is the classic example of an egoist.

---

Miscellaneous

This is a miscellaneous page