This came up briefly during Domino, and I’ve been thinking about it recently.

Many (brilliant readers of this blog…) have been told by peers, parents, and educators (either directly or indirectly) that they possess higher than average intelligence. Advanced classes, high GPAs, and ambitious academic workloads seem to confirm what’s ascribed, so it sticks.

The trouble is that a lack of real academic challenge leads individuals to feel like little effort is required to succeed after college. Lazy patterns of thought develop, and a dangerous arrogance forms.

Most dangerous is how problems are not faced with:

• A genuine curiosity
• A patience with challenges that don’t have obvious solutions
• A willingness to fail
• Tenacity