I'd like to be able to say that I don't have IS any more than one of A.R.'s heroes. Everyone has self-doubts now and then. But, as I applied the philosophy to my own life, and allowed myself to be completely honest with myself, I found the need for IS which is a form of self deprecation to be unnecessary.. I am who and what I am. I'm
proud of my achievements, regret my mistakes and because I'm honest with myself I don't feel as if I'm fooling anyone. Rather than thinking of myself as a phony, I prefer to think of myself as a hero. Some people are afraid to say that about themselves because our society frowns on people who "toot their own horn." But if you can't love yourself, why should you expect anyone else to love you? You want to read about heroic figures with IS, that's OK with me. I prefer the ones who overcome their self-doubts and act heroically not because of them, but in spite of them.

I'm no shrink, so all I can say is for you to check your premises. If you do, you might find that the "really smart person" is yourself.

I disagree that an objective has no self doubt. I have 100 million dollar signature authority I exercise regularly, I wouldn't trust anyone else in the company with my job. But sometimes I wonder when the really smart person is going to come along.

I agree with eyecu2.

For more read The Frankenstein Candidate

Feelings of inadequacy are completely normal. Everyone has self doubt from time to time but the person to be afraid of is the megalomaniac who never has any self doubt. Those are the ones who have had the largest and worst impacts throughout history. I am certain that you can think of several names to fill in here, so I will stop and allow others to list them.

Vinay has written a political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, herb. The protagonist has IS. The hero in the story does not say he is Objectivist, but...;)
I think you'll enjoy it very much. Vinay is also a speaker at the Atlas Summit this June in New Hampshire.

If you listen to Yaron Brook's lecture, and understand it as an Objectivist, I don't see how you could have the "Imposter Syndrome." You are grounded in a philosophy that extolls reason. You are....well, if you understand Objectivism at all, I don't need to remind you. All those who express their feelings of inadequacy do so, for the most part, because in spite of their talent and ability the only grounding in reality that they have is either ghosts or false premises.

Haha! Nice reference there, Vinay ;-)
Our president seems to be afflicted with this syndrome. He thinks he's a king.

Do you know anyone who has Imposter Syndrome? I know one prominent person with IS---Senator Olivia Allen, and I know her well (t-i-c).