Se è una persona ‘‘strana’’ allora forse è un genio.

In some cases we do classify some people as being ‘‘weird’’. We would define them as “a bit strange’’. This is because they do not necessarily behave as the majority of the citizens. This act of being different is what makes the difference. That is one of the qualities of the people who have invented and are making most of the breakthroughs of human being as a whole.

It was proved beyond every doubt that genius are not usually conventional to a ‘‘normal’’ human being. What makes things worse is that they are mostly discriminated against. Some are being defined as childish (see Einsten’s famous photo with tongue out), some are being defined as weird, some are even defined as a bit crazy. Well, if you need to know, it is that bit of childishness, weirdness and craziness that made and make them what they are: inventors and creatives.

I have written several times on teachers of handicapped children and their important and essential duties in the schools. I have appreciated and written about the works of the so called ‘‘insegnanti di sostegno’’ several times but I would like divert your attention to mistakes being made in ‘‘correcting’’ some people and thus making them become ‘‘normal’’ and killing their diversity. That diversity which is necessary to inspire them to become genial in their doings. Take for example, not long ago, teachers in some schools -even in Italy – would ‘‘correct’’ students who are left-handed as if they have a sort of illness. Some teachers and some schools would see the ADHD hyperactive students as trouble makers and thus always give them punishments on punishments. In this way obviously the student will start hating school and indirectly his or her genial capacity will be literally killed.

Let’s give some examples. If a student like skiing and he is not interested in chemistry or accountancy, why not give him the opportunity to study what he or she likes instead of imposing subjects of no interest on him or her? My trip to New Zealand visiting different schools during an education trip which is also known as fam trip (familiarizing trip) organized by the Education New Zealand, (Ministry of Education of NZ) where I was able to understand what future education system should be. Students are allowed to study just about whatever they want to study. This of course would bring the genius out of the child. The student would be more than happy to go to school and to aspire.

So, what brings about the genius in us? The high curiosity of these genius who do not give anything for granted is a number one priority and ability. They tend to always ask the why questions like children. Then the solitude is an important ingredient, and we have an advantage on this in Potenza. You need to be left alone, far from the movida and too active daily chores. People living in Milan or Rome may not be able to do this. When you are by yourself and in total solitude, you may see what you have been looking at for several years in a totally different way. The other important ingredient is the audacity. You need to be audacious. You need to have the courage to go against the system and against the rules and regulations. You need to be able to say no when others say yes. You need to go against what others won’t go against. See things differently by observing deeper and in solitude. But the best can be obtained when people of the same thoughts are being put together in the same place to interact between themselves. They would contradict themselves and eventually come up with new ideas, innovations and inventions. The other important ingredient is eccentricity. Most of the genius of all generations are eccentric and the more eccentric they are the more they see things in their own way which eventually would allow them to create and innovate.

So, if somebody tells you that you are strange and awkward or somebody defines you as eccentric and different, the person is saying that you may have some genes in you to invent, create and innovate. Take it as a compliment and exploit it to bring the best out of yourself.

Enjoy!