Keith wrote in the final paragraph: The irony is that the more egalitarian the education system, and the more uniform the curricula with industry-like selection methods -- as has happened increasingly in state supervised schools in advanced countries over the past century -- the more stratified society becomes (even though it is certain that many creative geniuses are lost by this process). As those who are most strident about egalitarianism are themselves usually high-IQ individuals who are well satisfied with this credentially-rigid state of affairs, they remain silent about this.
Well said. I know from personal experience that a bored gifted child can be a lot more work than an "average" child, and that raises the question about time management and priorities for many classes of families: some parents are just not up to the work demanded of parenting in the first place, those with gifted children sometimes fail out of simple and deplorable apathy, not ignorance. On the other hand, because of cultural differences, we have countless examples of immigrant and poor families who maximize educational opportunities for their children, who may or may not be higher IQ, just better equipped and supported. The teachers on this list can provide hundreds of examples, of overachievers and underachievers. Some people are more determined than others to get the most of what the educational system provides, period. And, as Arthur or Harry alluded to, there are plenty of high IQ people working for less educated folks, which certainly isn't illegal or immoral. However, it can also be hazardous to one's success and precipitate negativity, ennui, erratic mental health and in some cases, great art. The grass is always greener on the other side, they say. Karen
