"History, though, shows us that the people who end up changing the world - the great political, social, scientific, technological, artistic, even sports and revolutionaries - are always nuts, until they're right, and then they are geniuses."
Dr John Eliot from his book 'Overachievement'
Without trying too hard, I can think of many examples. I am sure you can too.
When I read this quote I remembered jotting down some notes as I read a magazine in a waiting room somewhere a few years ago in my ever handy notebook. It expressed a similar sentiment.
All truths travel in a cycle.
First they are ridiculed.
First they are ridiculed.
Then they are violently opposed.
Finally they are declared self evident.
Parents advocating for their gifted children often face barriers. It is often hinted that they are 'nuts' for requesting an acceleration, particularly where a child is not currently performing highly (even though there is evidence that with the right environment they could).
Sometimes they give in to the pressure, begin to doubt themselves, or even their child.
Sometimes parents persist and are shown to be right. I can think of plenty of examples of parents whose children are now flourishing because the parents continued to pursue what they believed was right.
They are the ones who change the world. Not just for their child, but for other gifted children that follow.
Happy New Year and I hope that you will disregard the voices that suggest you are 'nuts' for wanting the best for your child, and persist. Be guided by your intuition, and good information.
And the knowledge that you can change your child's world.
And the knowledge that you can change your child's world.
1 comment:
Thanks for this very insightful reminder. Look forward to a brilliant year when many more will take up the challenge.
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