The Prodigy Puzzle

theodp writes "Once neglected, the NY Times reports that America's smartest children have become the beneficiaries of a well-organized effort to recognize their gifts and develop their talent. Programs like those offered by the Davidson Institute, run by Bob and Jan Davidson of Math and Reading Blaster fame, have sprung up to nurture the intellectual development of profoundly intelligent young people. But do we know how to identify the child whose brilliance might change the world? And do we really want to?"

Comments

Re:Leave them to their jobs as patent clerks.

[slaida1]

What we don't understand and therefore, in our arrogance, can't identify as brilliance often is.

Check this. People concentrate on singular things like 'brilliant genius' and put all their hopes on those. It's that old "John Rambo (or Jesus or whatever) comes and saves us all!", but dressed differently.

Sad. Counting on some superior individual to change the world is one of the hallmarks of most fucked up religions and cultures on earth today.