Appearances matter
You've heard the expression: 'dress for success'
Well, how about this tale:
"This asteroid (B-612) has only been seen once through a telescope. That was by a Turkish astronomer in 1909. On making his discovery, the astronomer had presented it to the International Astronomical Congress, in a great demonstration. But he was in Turkish costume, and so nobody would believe what he said....
Fortunately, however, for the reputation of Asteroid B-612, a Turkish dictator [Kemel Ataturk] made a law that his subjects, on pain of death, should change to European costume.
So, in 1920, the astronomer gave his demonstration all over again, dressed in impressive style and elegance. And this time, everybody accepted his report"
Quoted by Niall Ferguson in "Civilization"
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