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Lars Clausen :: Blog :: The American meaning of excellence

August 02, 2007

An interresting quote:
"The American meaning of excellence is a mixed message for gifted children. American society cannot seem to come to a consensus about the values of individual excellence and social equality ( Gardner, 1961; Tannenbaum 1998 ). The situation takes form in the way we tell gifted students to do well in intellectual pursuits, but not too well, and always be humble. The admonition to be humble applies to all pursuits, including athletics, but it seems to be especially important to cognitive pursuits. The message is relatively clear: To be socially attractive, one should be slightly above average and downplay one's accomplishments."
Colemann & Cross: Being gifted in School, 2. ed., Prufrock Press, Inc. 2005, page 167-168

Posted by Lars Clausen

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