However, one should also know that quite close to the weakness often lies one's strength.
One of the brain's most important functions is to adapt to the environment. In order to do that, one needs to read the context, and adjust one's activities. However, sometimes the failure to be flexible in the context can be actually become one's jump board to greatness.
Albert Einstein, for example. He was a non-conformist, dropping out of the gymnasium and traveling in Europe alone in the teens. At the university, he refused to address his professor in anything other than "Herr" ("Mr."), a social blunder in the German speaking world at that time. Albert's reasoning was that he did not respect him.
A more "context-intelligent" person would have acted otherwise, but then Albert Einstein could not have been the historical figure we know. The simple refusal to adapt to the context led to the great originality of the theory of relativity, which revolutionized the way we view the universe. Albert's weakness was also his strength.
The greatest physicist since Newton might appear to be an extreme example for our daily relevance, but we do learn a lot from the extremities. We should all be more tolerant of our own weaknesses.
The young Albert Einstein
5 comments:
Due to increasing comment spams, the comments are now moderated. They would appear after I approve them. I apologize in advance for any inconveniences, and hope that you guys keep posting interesting and stimulating comments. Thanks!
Dear.Mr.Mogi
I'm learning a lot of things from you.
>One of the brain's most important functions is to adapt to the environment.
Am I all right be here?????
Mr.Mogi. You gave me a lot of courage to do anything.
I think you have a special power. I respect you so much.
Anyway Mr.Mogi, you will be like a Albert Einstein,
right?
It is very interesting how society puts labels on things. Perhaps it is better to say that it just is a quality about him, it neither weakens him nor makes him stronger. Maybe we often find strength close to one's weakness...because it was not a weakness in the first place and when other's perceive anything other than what they call “weakness” they assume it is a strength. I try to view the world with eyes of a child, not judging or applying labels to things. But, I do find myself falling into this common trap when challenges arise because it is easier to fail at a weakness rather than fail at something that is not a weakness. Perhaps Einstein also saw the world through child's eyes too...
Sounds great. Dr. Mogi.
Also, i like Mr/Ms Anonymous's statement. :)
very impressive and powerful.
Mr/Ms Anonymous's English is a little difficult for me than Dr. Mogi's, but i really want to understand what he/she is saying as precise as possible..
Yesterday i thought and laught that the young Albert Einstein in the photo looks older than the Albert Einstein in Dr. Mogi’s T-shirt.
nice post. thanks.
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