Education Quote by William Deresiewicz
““I also spoke about the kid who can’t be bothered to get A’s in every class in high school because they’re actually more interested in following their curiosity, so here’s another rule of thumb. U.S. News supplies the percentage of freshmen at each college who finished in the highest 10 percent of their high school class. Among the top twenty universities, the number is usually above 90 percent, a threshold that is also reached at several of the top colleges. I’d be wary of schools like that (though I would make an exception for public universities, which draw from disadvantaged high schools from across their respective states). Not every ten-percenter is an excellent sheep, but a sufficient number are for you to think very carefully before deciding to surround yourself with them.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Value of Curiosity” by William Deresiewicz, publication date unknown
The author warns that elite academic credentials don't always indicate true intellectual curiosity, urging careful evaluation of peers
In simple terms: High grades at top schools don’t guarantee genuine curiosity
Key Takeaway
Look beyond rankings to assess genuine curiosity and fit
Themes
education
critical thinking
social dynamics
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
analytical
advisory
When to use this quote
- college admissions
- peer groups
- career planning
Key Concepts
meritocracy
selection bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria truly indicate curiosity?
- How do you balance prestige with personal growth?
A Different Perspective
Prestige can mask lack of curiosity
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
