Albert Einstein famously said:
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
Many of you will know that I have a few challenges with the school systems that are currently in place – both in the UK and, despite a few small differences, across the world. I strongly believe that young people today aren’t afforded the freedom to consider every option that’s available to them when it comes to deciding on their career path…
As the cartoon and Albert Einstein’s quote above suggest, it seems ludicrous to measure everyone in the same way when we’re all gifted with so many wild and wonderful talents. Why would you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree? It’s crazy, but it’s not dissimilar to the way schools and colleges across the world fail to tailor the curriculum, teaching styles and assessment of a young person’s ability.
In addition, many adults make the mistake of pushing young people along the path they took in life, irrespective of whether it’s best suited to them. Granted, it’s what we know best and are most capable of advising on, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for everybody.
You see, we don’t realise that’s what we’re doing. Even with a person’s best interests at heart, it’s an easy mistake to make. But if we were to keep our own minds open, and do as much as we can to open the minds of the young people we influence, I think the world would be a much better, more successful place.
There are a few people who have already challenged conventions and done things differently, such as Logan Laplante and his parents. Logan is a 13 year-old boy from the USA who was taken out of the education system to be home schooled. Both his story, and his mindset, are fascinating. He has a wise head on young shoulders, and I believe there are a number of adults who could learn a few things from him too!
Let’s show the next generation how great they can be!
