Born or made?

Had this really heated argument with friends here yesterday.

Perspective #1: All kids are born with innate intelligence. It is how life and circumstances enable them to apply what they were born with that creates geniuses and super-intelligent kids – ie, everyone has the ability to ‘shine’ but only some are given the circumstances that enable them to do so.

Perspective #2: Only some kids are born with the ability to be highly intelligent and to do well academically and otherwise. That is why not all kids are bright and superachievers because they don't have that ability .

Three of us screamed like banshees for 5 minutes, trying to convince each other that our perspective was the right one. The fourth one was waiting for the right time to make her point. After 5 minutes, we all had to split to complete various other chores at home. So the debate was inconclusive. Just as well, as otherwise, being mature, intelligent women, we might have come to blows;-)

Now, which one is the right perspective?

Heroes

They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and flavours….er, maybe not flavours (got a bit carried away there, sorry). But there’s no telling who could be the next hero and where. I just found an unexpected one last week.

It gave me back some of my childhood ideals to see someone who will speak up against injustice and unfairness, even though it wasn’t directed against them, and never mind the consequences. It made a huge difference seeing that someone cares enough to want to make the place a much better one for others to be in. It matters, hugely, that someone would go out of their way to do it, instead of going their way, saying, “Oh, that isn’t my business.”

If you are reading this, you know I am talking about you. Nunri, gracias, merci, dhanyavad, shukriya and thanks…This may not change the world, but sure as hell, will change mine, for the better.