Post #577085 by telescopes on Mon, Feb 21, 2011 10:49 AM

Why are they assholes?

Because if they are really gifted, for them, it is like being in a room full of mentally (can I say retarded) people all day) all day. That's not to say they should be assholes, but it is too point out that when you belong to a group that comprises 1 percent of the population, you pretty much have no role models you can relate to, your tired of explaining yourself, and would really like to communicate with someone else who sees, hears, and understands the world in the similar way as yourself.

Case in point. No one would consider putting average children with 100 IQ's in a room with students two standard deviations (70 IQ) below the norm. These average students, if left in this room to learn day after day would eventually become very damaged.

Gifted artist are no different. In terms of their gifts, they might be up to three standard deviations above the norm. Interacting with the average populace takes its tow - drugs or alcohol aside. In fact, drugs become a way of self-medicating.

You can toss this observation aside, but as a teacher of the gifted, I am telling you, it is hard on them to be placed with the average population - and yes, many - not all - do become assholes.