Nuclear physicist at 7?
What's the story behind this photo?
In the 1940s, LIFE visited a 'genius school' in New York -- a school filled with kids who just happened to enjoy stratospheric IQs. ;)
From the March 22, 1948 feature story—"Genius School" LIFE took a closer look at an experimental elementary school at Hunter College in New York City - also known as P.S. 600. At the time, it was the only institution in the U.S. devoted to the teaching and study of gifted children.
The original caption for this image: “NUCLEAR PHYSICIST Sandy, 7, lectures science club on hobby, explains behavior of neutrons in uranium. Diagram was left by previous lecturer, a chemist.”
Story via Time Magazine:
http://time.com/3600311/life-goes-to-genius-school-1948/
#history #Life #nyc #geniuskids
I see being a genius can be both a blessing and a curse. Expectations can be really high, the child can be rushed through school to get to university, but to the detriment of social skills and possible overly arrogant, though that could be down more to latent personality. I personally believe children (even adults) should mix with all sorts of people, intelligent or less so, since you get a more well rounded view of the world. But people tend to stick to their own 'tribe' which can lead to a shallow life and intolerance of others.
ReplyDeleteIf you are really smart and never/rarely fail, there is much you may not learn and you may struggle to have true friends. You can then expect people to be like you and get easily disappointed when they aren't.
You can be intelligent, but not wise, since wisdom is shaped by experiences, reflection and insight, which isn't exclusive to those with high IQ.
High IQ and genius are not the same. There are other ingredients for the smartness sauce. You need to have a balance between EQ and IQ, which is way better than having a high IQ.
ReplyDeleteThe harsh truth is that greater intelligence does not equate to wiser decisions...so, wisdom is the key - but that's just my opinion.
I wonder where those three kids are now, what they're doing, and whether their early potential has translated into extraordinary adulthood?
ReplyDeleteGood question Bodhipaksa .
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a stereotypical view to link genius and IQ, but if you are or predisposed to being a great craftsperson, painter, sculpturer, artisan or creative in other ways, that is also genius too
ReplyDeleteSam Collett all good points, but as a genius child who did not benefit from specialized attention, I can tell you that simply being smarter is enough to ensure isolation. The other kids hate you for it. They hate you because you know the answers. They hate you because the teacher likes you. They hate you because you get good marks. They hate you because you aren't tuned in to their interests (sports, celebrities, gossip.) So the social skills opportunities become ones of how to avoid getting stuck near other kids when there is no safe adult to protect you. I developed excellent hiding skills. I would hide in the school for all yard breaks and when that failed because the teacher kept track of me to force me into the chaos, I learned places in the yard where I could hide. I often missed the bell and was late to class because of it. I never did develop good social skills or any interest in sports, celebrities, or gossip.
ReplyDeleteIt is differences that make people interesting, but there are those who do not accept those who are different or have the same ideals. Just seeing the rise of prejudice, racism and misogyny in those who could shape the country by getting into power is a scary thought. Hate crime seems to be heading mainstream in Europe, or is close to being so
ReplyDeleteIt is scary, Sam Collett. An increasing number of people in the US hate those who have the ability to understand complex situations (the "elite"), and worship those with simplistic patterns of thinking. They hate the public education system and don't see having an educated population as a national strategic priority.
ReplyDeleteEasier to control people when they don't think for themselves if you appeal to their 'base self'. Although unfortunately that can often be the fear of the unknown and scapegoating groups which haven't caused the issue in the first place
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