This was fun and all but it doesn't apply to modern academics. Now, if you 'disregard' you won't get grants and you won't be in academics long enough to make a contribute. Fun but irrelevant today.
I think this is not the spirit it was meant in. It is more self help advice for the struggling researcher. I read it more as, despite your doubt, disregard others in your mind, and do your work. You won't get anywhere if you have convinced yourself you won't get anywhere, so why start/try?
