I want my children to be respectful and liked and all in school, but let us remember that the goal is to raise excellent functioning adults, not just excellent sheep who only know how to color in the lines.
It’s about a skill or behavior being commoditised.
This is to say that any competent person can be taught a certain thing.
If you need a software developer, or a mechanical engineer, or a pilot, you can go hire someone with that skill.
The skill becomes like a barrel of oil.
I want the skill and the value it brings – but also the ability (and willingness) for my children to go one step further.
This is about growing your talent stack.
Research demonstrates that it is the most creative children who are the least likely to become the teacher’s pet. In one study, elementary school teachers listed their favorite and least favorite students, and then rated both groups on a list of characteristics. The least favorite students were the non-conformists who made up their own rules. Teachers tend to discriminate against highly creative students, labeling them as troublemakers. In response, many children quickly learn to get with the program, keeping their original ideas to themselves. In the language of author William Deresiewicz, they become the world’s most excellent sheep.
-Adam Grant, Originals