Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by conversation

Re:Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by convers... by foobarbazqux on Wednesday October 02, 2013 @12:04PM (#6483268)

I think what you're missing is that, for whatever reason, we are genetically programmed to seek balance. Whatever is missing in your childhood environment, you will search for as an adult.

The metaphor that comes to mind is this: imagine yourself as a spring, standing upright. In childhood, this spring was held down by a heavy boot. Now that the boot has lifted, what has happened to the spring? Is it back to the original height, or has it stretched even higher?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by convers... by Zimahl on Wednesday October 02, 2013 @02:38PM (#6484345)

That's a nice thought but not a fact. Some who are held down search for what they were deprived, some don't. I would assume the many examples of this are all anecdotal since they make great stories. The flip side is not that uncommon and thus not celebrated and reported about.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by convers... by foobarbazqux on Wednesday October 02, 2013 @02:58PM (#6484467)

I guess it depends on how closely you look at things.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by convers... by Fargren on Wednesday October 02, 2013 @01:34PM (#6483928)

I have no idea, having not done the experiment. Maybe it's shorter and crooked. I don't understand the metaphor.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Children aren't born smart. They're made smart by convers... by foobarbazqux on Wednesday October 02, 2013 @02:00PM (#6484107)

Just that the oppressed seek liberation. Some find it, some don't, but they all seek it. If they stop seeking it, they find liberation by becoming the oppressor, either by oppressing others or oppressing themselves.

[ Parent | on HN ]