Wednesday, August 5, 2015

How We View Intelligence

I have been reading the book, Brain Rules, by John Medina.  It has both educated and challenged me. I can now feel good about that 20 minute nap I take each day.  It is a great way to rest and refuel your brain.  

I am challenged by the suggestion that we need to walk 20-30 minutes everyday to get the blood flowing to the brain.  According to Medina, this practice can reduce your chances of dementia/Alzheimers by 60%.  

Medina also challenges how we view intelligence.  As a society we all like to measure and put a label on intelligence but Medina shares about some individuals that challenge our thinking.  Kim Peek was born in 1951 and a variety of diagnoses and challenges to face in life.  He was labeled mentally disabled and doctors suggested he be put in a mental institution.  Thankfully, his father saw the gifts in Kim.  
     He could read two pages at the same time, one with each eye, comprehending and remembering perfectly everything contained in the pages. Forever.

Most of us are actually familiar with this young man.  He is Rain Man.  And once again, we need to throw away the boxes we put people in.

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