Yes, it’s quite possible that highly creative people might be perceived as “odd” or unconventional by some. Creativity often involves thinking outside the box, challenging norms, and approaching problems in unique ways. This can sometimes lead to behaviors, ideas, or expressions that differ from the mainstream or expected, making creative individuals appear unusual or eccentric to others.
Throughout history, many artists, inventors, and thinkers who have made significant contributions to society were initially seen as unconventional or “odd” because their ideas and methods were ahead of their time or differed from societal norms. This perception can stem from a lack of understanding or appreciation of the creative process and the innovative thinking that drives it.
The perception of autism has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, autism was often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to negative perceptions and stereotypes. However, today there is a growing understanding and acceptance of autism as a spectrum condition with a wide range of characteristics and abilities.
Many people now recognize that individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. The focus has shifted towards promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals, emphasizing their strengths and unique perspectives. Advocacy groups and increased awareness have played a significant role in changing perceptions and promoting a more positive and informed view of autism.
While challenges and misconceptions still exist, the overall trend is towards a more compassionate and informed understanding of autism, recognizing it as a part of human diversity rather than an “awful” condition.
Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects individuals in diverse ways, and each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges. Some individuals with autism may have exceptional abilities or talents in specific areas, such as mathematics, music, art, or memory. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “savant syndrome,” where a person with developmental differences, including autism, demonstrates profound capabilities far beyond what is considered typical.
However, it’s important to note that not all individuals with autism have savant abilities or are considered “geniuses.” The abilities and challenges of people with autism vary widely, and each person’s experience is unique. The idea that autism is directly linked to genius is a stereotype and does not apply to everyone on the spectrum.
The focus should be on understanding and supporting the individual needs and strengths of each person with autism, rather than generalizing their abilities. Recognizing and nurturing their talents, while providing support for their challenges, can help individuals with autism reach their full potential.
Then there is another factor. Archeological DNA is another avenue of study. It tells is about evolution. We are diminished-Cro Magnons because we have Neanderthal genes, of which the average human has about 3%. A species having genes of another species cannot be good. Some of these foreign genes have been linked to cause certain diseases.
And as a race we almost went extinct save for a small tribe. For that reason, the genetic status of the entire human race is less genetically diverse than a small tribe of chimpanzees in a rain forest. It is a very small gene pool.
So, we are less than our ancestors.
From this crazy genetic mix there are going to exist a small group of people who will have very rare talents that will enable them to solve very deep mysteries of the arts and sciences. And our society is NOT going to find them beneath the weight of the Lesson Plan driven methods of education taught in our K-12 system of education as it exists today.
Very likely these rare people will be burdened with other deficiencies that will hide what they are really good at.
But we must find them with better methods because our society is in competition with adversaries that will allow the very exceptional to percolate to the top. And when they do and if we don’t that might be the end of our democracy.
You better believe that many of these geniuses are today amongst the homeless.
Very prominent people have already noticed what I have been saying here. One, a former U.S Secretary of State said when asked who the most dangerous person in the world was answered… ‘The president of the NEA’. This was at a press conference where reporters were expecting a different answer like a despot or someone who was in that category. Another, a member of the U.S. Senate, said in so many words that the K-12 system of education was a gateway to the prison system.
Artificial Intelligence is going to play a huge role in future education. You can pretty much learn anything through AI but Mathematics is a little different. , It requires what I call… Jumping off points. It requires certain topics to be pre-explained before going off on one’s own.
My first topic will be the Venn Dashboard. This introduces the very young student to the concept of an Algebra from which other areas of Mathematics proceed quite naturally. And it does this without the overburdening of the Decimal Numbering System.
The last topic will be the Riemann Hypothesis. This involves a solution to a very age-old problem. We are NOT going to solve it but when and if it ever is ever solved our student is going to be able to understand the solution. Recently new light has been put on this topic, to the extent that I expect a solution certainly within a few years.
Between the 1st and last Jumping Off place, the Alpha and Omega, I call it, there will new Jumping Off places… Updates to occur monthly.