<p>ExieMITAlum, it cracks me up to see very, very successful parents giving their children every advantage in life–and thereby guaranteeing that their children won’t be as successful. </p>
<p>We’ve created a system which exists to sort students, rather than educate them. Parents spend millions (billions?) on tutors and educational programs, trying to create the Perfect College Applicant. I rendered another parent speechless the other day. I opined that it was better to make mistakes in high school than college. Something is very wrong with the system when a smart, educated, caring parent is afraid to allow children to make mistakes. </p>
<p>In that, I strongly disagree with Mr. Brooks. He doesn’t really develop a clear argument about what should replace “expressive individualism.” Some sort of mish-mash of taking on problems, being miserable, and submitting to the group? Hunh. Doesn’t sound like something which could inspire one to hang around for another 60 years. </p>
<p>How about, “Go forth, and for once in your life, do what you want to do. Don’t try to impress the neighbors, or your parents, or op-ed writers. Do whatever makes it worth getting out of bed in the morning. You are not a cog in a vast machine. Do not give up the responsibility of using your talents to the fullest. Do not turn away from doing the right thing, even if it doesn’t fit the corporate guidelines. Speak up when you see injustice. To quote Emerson, ‘Be yourself; no base imitator of another, but your best self. There is something which you can do better than another. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that. Do the things at which you are great, not what you were never made for.’”</p>