<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I just have a random discussion topic:
It seems there are a lot of people- take for example people who win the Siemens Westing House competitions and USA Today All Star- who are amazing, with perfect SATs, GPAs, activities.
Is it mainly because they are geniuses?
Do you think these type of people will necessarily do better in life?</p>
<p>I’m not one of these people. And I think that my life amounts to no less because of it. And what is do better? Salary? Health benefits? Job Stability? Love? Family? It’s so subjective</p>
<p>First off, there are like NO geniuses on CC, just hard workers.</p>
<p>I have honestly not read or heard about any genius on CC.</p>
<p>Define “better”?</p>
<p>Are we talking ethics, money, success, fame?</p>
<p>Concerning ethics - Who knows?</p>
<p>Money - I think so b/c of how hard CCers work.</p>
<p>Success (defined as happy) - Yes and No, but this obviously does not apply to CCers only.</p>
<p>What matters later in life?</p>
<p>You tell me.</p>
<p>It honestly depends on your perspective.
I suppose religion, or a lack thereof, will matter a great deal in the future for many CCers.</p>
<p>It is entirely dependent upon the individual.</p>
<p>What matters later in life:</p>
<p>Relationships, particularly friendships and a life’s partner; one’s reputation; one’s health, being financially stable enough not to have lots of stress about bills. Whether one went to Yale, attended RSI or won Seimens doesn’t matter when one is 50.</p>
<p>happiness…</p>
<p>true…
I guess it depends on what one sees as happiness?
Is it developing this amazing work ethic the key to this happiness later in life? Or is it entirely subjective on the framework of which one sees it? In specific to these people, participating in a never ending conquest to continually achieve and never be satisfied?</p>
<p>This is a good question but it should probably get better answers if you put it in the parents cafe or something.</p>
<p>Ohhhhhh, good question. My response might be somewhat off topic, but just bear with me while I go on this little tangent.</p>
<p>I have a friend who is very similar to the people who you referr to, and I’ll give you my observations and opinions.</p>
<p>This person isn’t quite as extreme as your example, but you’ll get my point. </p>
<p>This person has a perfect, 4.0 uw GPA, they are Editor in Chief of the Newspaper, they do a milion extracurricular activities, and they have good SAT scores. They are naturally applying to some Ivy League schools, with a decent shot at getting accepted to some of them.</p>
<p>However, when you look behind the polished resume and perfect GPA, this person shows signs that they will crumble very early in life. For example; they have a father who makes good money, and a stay at home mom who caters to their every need. By this, I mean she plays the role of private chauffer, college application organizer and application mail clerk, etc. However, I’ve noticed that when my friend gets faced even with the smallest difficulty or obstacle in life, they absolutely do not know how to handle it. My friend has been used to getting everything they want; for them, everything usually falls into place, and when something doesn’t go their way, they automatically break down and show the maturity of a 7 year old. They do not know how to handle rejection or difficulty, and they do not know how to deal with the curveballs life throws at you.</p>
<p>I used to be somewhat envious of my friend’s resume, but after observing their reaction to things, I realized that they will probably have a much harder time in life because they’ve never really had to face it. Although my stats aren’t as great as theirs, I’m used to difficulty, and I’m used to overcoming difficulty, but my friend breaks down when she is denied even the smallest thing. My friend, however, shows signs that when they get their first rejection letter, or first C on a college paper, or when they are not accepted to a job, they will have a hell of a time getting back up on their feet and learning from their mistakes, unlike others, who, although are not as perfec ton paper, have real life skills and experinces.</p>
<p>My point is that grades, diplomas, and SAT scores are usually not the best indicators of success. Really, it is a person’s personality, maturity, and strength of character that will determined their future and their success in life.</p>
<p>Without good social skills and the ability to handle the difficulties of life, chances are that a perfect GPA will do nothing for you.</p>
<p>Whew, that was long…</p>
<p>wraider: Is there a way to transfer this thread to that section?</p>
<p>Helix: that’s pretty unique perspective; I haven’t seen that side, but I suppose that, like anything, it might be a generalization. I do remember though someone posting these people having better access to opportunities, like labs and other things?</p>
<p>well i think it’s on the experience and character of the person.
i sort of get disappointed when things don’t go well. That makes me determined to do more.</p>
<p>Friends, family, and your relationship to whatever you find holy.That’s it. Few have ever died wishing they had spent more time with their possessions.</p>
<p>“and your relationship to whatever you find holy.”</p>
<p>Yes, the above becomes increasingly important as one ages. When I first heard this, I was young and didn’t believe it. I have found out, though, it is very true. The older I get, the more important it is for me to feel connected to some kind of power that is greater than humankind.</p>
<p>I have a friend like that too! She has almost a 4.0 gpa (there’s one class where seriously only 2 students get A’s). Her dad is works for JP Morgan and her mom is a stay at home mom, and her mom basically does everything for her. They’re much richer than the type of people who typically go to my school. But her mom is the very overprotective type. Like she’s not allowed to have friends over if her parent’s aren’t home, she’s not allowed to see most pg-13 movies, she knows next to nothing about sex, and her mom organizes everything for her. She doesn’t know how to do a lot of things on her own. I’ll admit I’m jealous that she owns a powerbook, but I wonder how she’s going to react when she can’t just call her mom over to fix everything.</p>
<p>Family, friends, the ability to explore the great beyond…and happiness? I have learned it takes sadness to find happiness. It can feel terrible but it is all part of the equation for an enriched life. Things! They can be very important in measure…nothing fancy, just a nice place to rest your head at the end of a long day. A good book! An inspiring comedy! A summer garden! And a little money in the bank never hurts!</p>
<p>good teeth, family and friends…</p>
<p>Health, good relationships, some enduring interests and a little financial security.</p>
<p>“Dear Mrs. Chown, Ignore your son’s attempts to teach you physics. Physics isn’t the most important thing. Love is. Best wishes, Richard Feynman.”</p>
<p>“Friends, family, and your relationship to whatever you find holy.”</p>
<p>I’ll agree with that. My faith becomes more important to me the older I get; in fact, it is the center around which all else revolves.</p>
<p>As for happiness, I believe happiness is a byproduct of living the kind of life you were meant to live, not something that can be achieved by directly pursuing it. I find happiness in helping others, in serving God, in working to help my son pay for college, in spending time with family and friends.</p>
<p>Discovering your authentic self. Then, everything else falls into place, beautifully. ;)</p>