This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Hardcover | E-book | Audio book
Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids who don’t always get A’s
The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers, And noses that go on for days . . .
Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids they call crazy or dumb,
The kids who don’t fit, with the guts and the grit, Who dance to a different drum . . .
Here’s to the kids who are different,
The kids with the mischievous streak,
For when they have grown, as history’s shown,
It’s their difference that makes them unique.
— Digby Wolfe, "Kids Who are Different"
I'm excited to announce the official release of Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined!
It has been a very long, winding, and emotional journey for me to get to this point. As a child, I was labelled with an auditory learning disability which left me always feeling one step behind my peers. While I soon outgrew my earlier difficulties and was both ready and eager for more intellectual challenges, I remained in special education. Trusting the experts, I retreated further and further into my own rich fantasy world, which only confirmed everyone's expectations. It wasn't until 9th grade, when a teacher took me aside and questioned my place in this world, that I gained the courage necessary to become the author of my own life story.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Ungifted includes my personal and scientific exploration of a broad range of research on the development of IQ, expertise, talent, and creativity. My investigation spans genetics and neuroscience, as well as evolutionary, developmental, social, positive, and cognitive psychology.
Through many years searching for the truth about potential, I've become convinced that it's time for a broadened conceptualization of human intelligence that takes into account each person's unique package of personal characteristics, passions, goals, values, and developmental trajectory. That emphasizes the value of an individual's personal journey. That extends the time course of intelligence from a two-hour testing session of decontextualized problem solving to a lifetime of deeply meaningful engagement. That arms students with the mindsets and strategies they need to realize their personal goals, without limiting or pre-judging their chances of success at any stage in the process. That shifts the focus from doing everything right to a lifelong learning process where bumps and detours are par for the course. From a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. From product to process.
By redefining and broadening the concept of intelligence, hopefully we can increase society's appreciation for the intelligence and diverse strengths of many different kinds of minds, including prodigies, savants, and late bloomers, as well as those with dyslexia, autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Please help share this important message by:
1. Forwarding this article to a friend or colleague you think would appreciate Ungifted.
2. Spreading the word that Ungifted is available for purchase on your social networking outlets (twitter, facebook, G+, etc.)
3. Writing a review of Ungifted on your personal blog or goodreads. If you're in academia, please submit a review to a peer-reviewed journal or if you're a journalist please pitch a review to a major news outlet.
4. Writing a review of Ungifted on the Amazon page. This would be really helpful, as Amazon determines its publicity based in part on Amazon reviews.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I hope Ungifted inspires you to believe in yourself and set yourself free!
© 2013 Scott Barry Kaufman, All Rights Reserved
