I was in a discussion with my friend Ken years ago, when he paused to emphasize a point: “Well, you went to Harvard, you should know.” I can’t recall what I was supposed to know but I didn’t stop to correct him: I never attended Harvard. It wasn’t the first time Ken mentioned my nonexistent Harvard education. I think he wants to show he’s not impressed with my intelligence, but repeatedly mentioning Harvard suggests he must feel a tad inadequate.

I’ve never passed myself off as a Harvard grad, or even pushed the preferred...