Linda Kreger Silverman describes giftedness as follows…
““Linda Kreger Silverman describes giftedness as follows: Gifted children and adults see the world differently because of the complexity of their thought processes and their emotional intensity. People often say to them, ‘Why do you make everything so complicated?’ ‘Why do you take everything so seriously?’ ‘Why is everything so important to you?’ The gifted are ‘too’ everything: too sensitive, too intense, too driven, too honest, too idealistic, too moral, too perfectionist, too much for other people! Even if they try their entire lives to fit in, they still feel like misfits. The damage we do to gifted children and adults by ignoring this phenomenon is far greater than the damage we do by labeling it. Without the label for their differences, the gifted come up with their own label: ‘I must be crazy. No one else is upset by this injustice but me.’ (Silverman 1993)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He describes giftedness as heightened sensitivity, intensity, and moral drive, leading to misfit feelings and societal misunderstanding
In simple terms: Gifted people are highly sensitive, intense, and often feel out of place
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support gifted individuals to prevent harm
Themes
giftedness
misunderstanding
psychology
Mood
empathetic
concerned
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- mental health counseling
- parenting strategies
- workplace accommodations
- self‑advocacy
Key Concepts
cognitive complexity
emotional intensity
identity
social labeling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society better support gifted individuals?
- What balance between labeling and acceptance is healthiest?
A Different Perspective
Labeling can both help and hinder; over‑emphasis on differences may isolate