We are the world, and the impostor syndrome

I can't help but watch the making of the timeless song "We Are the World" again and again.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

This charity single, recorded by a supergroup in January 1985 to benefit USA for Africa, never ceases to fascinate me. The song was composed by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones.

For an oldie like me, it's delightful to reminisce and see the greatest singers of the era coming together to dedicate their talent to raising funds for Africa. It's almost miraculous that all these superstars collaborated without remuneration, driven purely by altruism. So, how did Quincy Jones bring together legends like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, and even the famously reclusive Bob Dylan, among many others?

One thing stood out while watching the production footage: many remarkable artists felt surprisingly insecure. One said, "I don't think I can hit that high note." Another expressed concern, "How can I perform well in a room filled with such incredible talent?"

One artist even found it impossible to sing in the presence of others and had to record his lines separately in an empty room. This made me think, "Even the greatest suffer from Impostor Syndrome."

Have you ever heard of the term "Impostor Syndrome"?

Simply put, it's the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite clear evidence of success, causing individuals to fear being exposed as "frauds."