What it sounds like
- No real entrepreneur ever fails.
- "No real leader asks for help." When shown strong leaders with coaches: "Well, no real real leader." Very scientific.
Logical fallacy
No True Scotsman
Changing the definition of a group to avoid counterexamples.
Classic tell: No real entrepreneur ever fails.
Back to the guideFurther explanation
What is happening underneath?
Changing the definition of a group to avoid counterexamples.
A counterexample appears, so the category definition gets quietly rewritten. The claim survives by excluding whatever disproves it.
How to tell
- The definition changes only after evidence threatens the claim.
Why people use it
- It protects identity-based beliefs from messy reality.
How to combat it
- Say: "What definition are we using, and did it change after the counterexample?"
Manipulation watch
How this gets used on people.
- Groups use this to police belonging: no true member questions leadership, struggles, leaves, or asks for receipts.