Validation

Validation is often thought of as a bad word. This is especially true when we think of our emotional selves, like when someone is perceived to be looking for external validation as a reflection of their value in society. A quick search of social media will reveal hundreds of feel-good memes that tell us not to seek validation—that the need for validation is a sign of weakness, and that being one’s own source of validation is a sign of power and strength.

However, as scientists, we un…