It takes a lot of skills to be virtuous without being boring. - Nassim Nicholas Taleb

In academia, there is no difference between academia & the real world. In the real world, there is. (inspired by Yogi Berra)

Humans will believe anything you say provided you do not exhibit the smallest shadow of diffidence; like animals, they can detect the smallest crack in your confidence before you express it. The trick is to be as smooth as possible in personal manners. It is much easier to signal self-confidence if you are exceedingly polite and friendly; you can control people without having to offend their sensitivity.

You will get the most attention from those who hate you. No friend, no admirer and no partner will flatter you with as much curiosity.