#SmartPeople #doctors #scientists #teachers #discrimination #ControllingForces
There seems to be a strategy by some in politics to try to control smart people.
Doctors, scientists, teachers and others who have professional credentials are seeing their work ridiculed, criticized or otherwise restricted.
It’s tough to do what they do in this environment.
But, that may be the point. And, it’s not unprecedented in history.
Groups who have faced discrimination have faced it because those in power are envious of what they have, and their abilities. Or, they have faced it because of the labor they can provide.
The world flourishes when smart people with good intentions are given free rein to do their jobs.
It’s tough to innovate when restrictions are improperly imposed upon those with the greatest minds.
Teachers can’t teach well if they are told that only certain books can be used, or only certain subjects can be addressed.,
Doctors can’t practice medicine properly when they are restricted on what medical procedures they can use to treat patients.
Scientists can’t advance science when others ridicule or condemn scientific progress.
Usually, those doing the restricting are not qualified to do so. They merely believe they have the power to do so.
Often, it feels like an assault on intelligence. Yet, there is a method to the madness.
By restricting how intelligence is used, it enhances the control of those doing the restricting.
This type of control in history has led to slavery, the holocaust and other forms of humanitarian destruction.
Those who have not achieved what the most intelligent have achieved revel in this power grab. They are jealous of others’ intelligence and knowledge.
They feel that if you can’t be as smart, be more powerful.
Fortunately, the intelligent folks under assault have ways to fight back. They can remove those restrictors from power.
They, and their supporters, at least in the United States, can vote out those who would restrict the best and the brightest.
We in the U.S. value innovation. We value the fact that we can make progress. We recognize problems that can be solved by unleashing the talent we have in this country.
Yet, some who wish to control the intelligent refuse to recognize the problems that can be solved through innovation.
They feel their lives will be upended by progress. They want to go back to the way things were before innovation.
We have to remember, particularly as Americans, that things like innovation and demographics are like flowing water. We can try to divert them, if they don’t suit us, but we can’t stop them.
In the case of the best and the brightest, let’s try a little less diversion and a little more unleashing.
Peter
Tag Archives: smart people
INDEPENDENCE AND HERDING CATS
#independence #HerdingCats #interdependence #leaders #followers
Independence is a virtue.
We all want to do what we want, when we want, regardless of what others want us to do.
But, complete independence of others, in the real world, not only has pitfalls, but also can be hurtful, even dangerous.
Smart, independent people know when to convert independence to interdependence when warranted.
Cats are known for independence. It’s difficult to get them to follow anything. If they come to you, they do so on their terms.
We often see leaders trying to “herd cats” when too many independent people are under them.
Following a leader, or the crowd, has its own dangers.
Following for the sake of following can result in boring contentment, which can lead to underachievement, even danger.
Smart and independent people understand that, often, success comes when people work together. One can make another successful, and vice versa, when combining skill, talent and ambition.
Of course, for people to come together, there has to be a motive that results in the good of all.
Some independent people look for those who will follow unconditionally. Others prefer to earn followers through their own effort, or their contributions to the overall group effort.
Most parents want their children to be independent. They want to raise them with good values, so they can succeed on their own as adults.
Too often, children become so dependent on their parents that they never leave home. That’s not only a burden on the parents, but also a detriment to the child.
But, as parents raise children to be independent, they want them to learn the difference between independence and interdependence. Most parents would prefer children not only to succeed on their own, but also be an integral part of a community that does good things that benefit all.
So, be independent. But, use that independence wisely. Know what your limits may be, and when you may need help.
The world depends on independent people who know when interdependence takes precedence.
An old adage goes like this: lead, follow or get out of the way.
You can choose to lead, but to lead properly means helping those who follow to succeed. If you want to lead for selfish purposes, regardless of the effect on others, get out of the way.
For smart, independent folks, there are times to lead. There are times to follow. There may even be times to get out of the way.
True independence is knowing when and how to exercise it. Taking care of oneself is honorable, even desirable in some cases. But, don’t put oneself over the common good. That could cost you your independence.
To paraphrase the Golden Rule, if you do for others as you would have them do for you, you are truly independent.
Peter