Monday 16th December 2002
Effect <- Cause
In an attempt to find the "Brainiest kid in Britain", ITV are asking groups of twelve-year-olds lists of multiple choice questions, about such things as the first woman in space, locations of bones in the body, and maths stuff like the cube root of 64. In my view, the show should be renamed "The kid in Britain who is best at multiple choice general knowledge who also has the parents and ego required to end up on TV". Not quite so catchy, even if it is more accurate.
Just because you’re good at general knowledge, doesn’t mean that you’re clever. Lots of people know when the Second World War started, but the why is more important. Degrees as well; although a first class degree suggests that you’re smart, it actually means only that you’re good at your subject. Sometimes it’s easy to distinguish – if you’re rich, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you can handle money, or are good at making it. But some people aren’t able to look at things objectively; some people indeed can’t see the consequencies of their actions.
Just because you have authority, doesn’t mean you know best. Just because you have experience, doesn’t mean you can ignore other people’s advice. Just because you hold a position with power, doesn’t mean you know how to wield power properly.