What I want to know is: how many people on HN would publicly describe themselves as a "genius"?
It would be to close to hubris? An early indication of loosing touch with reality? Perhaps indicating the onset of psychosis?
Maybe ironically, especially after a less-then-perfect performance ;)
Better to let others do the praising?
Q: How many people where (by others, not family/friends) publicly described as a "genius"?
Why would you expect otherwise for other geniuses?
It's the reverse Dunning-Kruger effect - idiots are less aware of their limitations and thus are more likely to be baselessly confident. Legitimate geniuses are the most aware of their limitations of anyone, and thus are less likely to trumpet the 'genius' title.