Something About Brilliant People 

I am not a fan of the thought that everyone is brilliant. 

That’s not a slight on people at all. In fact it’s a reflection of the beauty and diversity of humanity that some people are brilliant and others are not. It’s not essential to being human to be brilliant. It is essential to be loving, kind and committed to doing what is right – you don’t have to be brilliant. 

This is said in the light of two recent experiences. The first one had to do with my daughter Zoë. I had the privilege of sitting in on her end of year school awards ceremony. During the ceremony the teacher of each class went through a list of categories and awarded medals for those who succeeded in that category. As it turned out, every single child in the class got one medal. No child got two medals, just one. It came across as though the teacher had to make sure each child could at least get something so that they could be awarded at the time. In as much as I applaud the sentiment, there was something cheap about the exercise. If everyone gets a medal and everyone has achieved, everyone is essentially on the same level. That’s not reality though. 

Meanwhile, Authrine and I, at the moment, are enjoying the benefits of detective programmes. We obviously enjoy the better procedural types like Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Elementary and of course the greatest – Columbo. What’s remarkable about these programmes is the portrayal of the brilliant person. Whether it’s Sherlock Holmes, Bobby Goren or the good Lieutenant, it is clear that these men are brilliant. Their commitment to the cause of investigating crimes and capacity to resolve issues others cannot marks them out from the rest. 

I know what you’re thinking. Christopher, come on,  Man. You are comparing the efforts of the education system to promote achievement and equality for all with fictional characters – what is your problem? 

First of all, thanks for calling me Christopher, as you know I much prefer that to the abbreviated version. Secondly, what is compelling about the fictional is their relation to reality. Growing up, I came across brilliant people. They were brilliant at sport or the media or art or science, but it was clear they were a cut above the rest. They were brilliant – not just good, not just competent – brilliant. One of the things I learnt about brilliant people is that there’s little point looking to make sure they feel like everyone else. It diminishes the fact that they are brilliant. That doesn’t excuse arrogant and overbearing behaviour. It’s not condoning a sense of superiority that has a problem with others. It is to recognise brilliance for what it is. 

There’s plenty of scope to ensure people are recognised for what they contribute to the whole in a way that doesn’t just make things look like everyone is the same. Fairness, righteousness and justice does not mean we don’t acknowledge brilliance. It is right and fair to see recognition for who we are as God sees us. 

Oh and by the way, I know Zoë doesn’t need a medal to acknowledge her brilliance. 

For His Name’s Sake 

Shalom 

C. L. J. Dryden