This poem is a lie.
It’s a beautiful lie, but it is a lie.
It’s not. If people followed this poem the world would be a much nicer place
I’m not saying it’s better to fill children up with expectations and plans for the extraordinary. It’s fucking not.
The world would be a much nicer place and people would be happier if they followed this poem… because lowering your expectations to the achievable is a much more mentally healthy place to be.
But also nobody’s going to be an 8-year-old internationally famous child chess prodigy or whatever stressful bullshit version of extraordinary their parents are looking for from cultivating a quiet appreciation for the taste of strawberries.
The extraordinary does not take care of itself.
But also nobody’s going to be an 8-year-old internationally famous child chess prodigy or whatever stressful bullshit version of extraordinary their parents are looking for from cultivating a quiet appreciation for the taste of strawberries.
The thing you have to ask: is the kid happier for this accomplishment? Or the parents?
I doubt it’s a path that leads to anybody’s happiness. “The extraordinary” I feel like rarely is. I’m not arguing that people should try to become Michael Jackson because it will make them happy.
I’m arguing that they won’t become Michael Jackson without actively trying for that.
I have the opinion that it’s partially the parent’s responsibility to guide their child toward healthy balance in life without putting them in a massive spotlight. The Hollywood star system is pretty damaging even if they do get benefits from it and it’s clear the industry at least amplified Michael Jackson’s mental illness.
If the child is self-motivated and genuinely interested in chess then yes, it just might take care of itself.
