I suspect that every teacher hears the same complaints…
““I suspect that every teacher hears the same complaints, but that, being seldom a practicing author, he tends to dismiss them as out of his field, or to see in them evidence that the troubled student has not the true vocation. Yet it is these very pupils who are most obviously gifted who suffer from these disabilities, and the more sensitively organized they are the higher the hazard seems to them. Your embryo journalist or hack writer seldom asks for help of any sort; he is off after agents and editors while his more serious brother-in-arms is suffering the torments of the damned because of his insufficiencies. Yet instruction in writing is oftenest aimed at the oblivious tradesman of fiction, and the troubles of the artist are dismissed or overlooked.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote highlights that educators often ignore the unique struggles of gifted students, especially those with learning disabilities, focusing instead on average learners and overlooking artistic challenges.
In simple terms: Teachers miss gifted students’ hidden difficulties.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support all learners, not just the obvious.
Themes
education
giftedness
disability
creativity
misunderstanding
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- special education
- writing workshops
- mentor guidance
Key Concepts
learning theory
inclusive pedagogy
artistic development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers identify hidden struggles in gifted students?
- What strategies support creative learners with disabilities?
A Different Perspective
Gifted students may still need tailored help despite appearing capable.