A lot of people don't understand or can't recognize this distinction. When I confess to friends that I lack the intelligence to be a good scientist or medical doctor, they generally have the reaction of "but you're so smart!" I could cram as much knowledge and pseudo-knowledge into my brain as possible but I wouldn't be able to apply it with the skill needed into those kinds of occupations.
The lack of distinction does allow me to get away with being seen as an excellent student. I've been able to fool professors and my peers to a benefit. But then the realization struck me -- a lot of the "smart" students at my university are perceived as intelligent for the same reason I am. It's easy enough to hide when everyone is concerned with titles and numbers.
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Date: 11 Jan 2011 03:52 am (UTC)The lack of distinction does allow me to get away with being seen as an excellent student. I've been able to fool professors and my peers to a benefit. But then the realization struck me -- a lot of the "smart" students at my university are perceived as intelligent for the same reason I am. It's easy enough to hide when everyone is concerned with titles and numbers.