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Re: [Phys-L] Commentary on teaching in Physics Today


On 2017/Mar/09, at 06:55, Bill Norwood via Phys-l <phys-l@mail.phys-l.org> wrote:


3. We have all heard of persons rising from the slums into remarkable
achievements, not necessarily in physics. This would speak well for
hardship, conflict and difficulty as developers of admirable achievements,
EXCEPT for the majority who just go on to perpetuate the slums, poverty
crime etc. Was the person who used the negative conditions in climbing to
success gifted with a superior or genius brain?


I think the latter is the explanation. “Hardship” selects the superior. I noticed this as an undergraduate at a time when women were more discriminated against than now. Notice even earlier Nöther and Sklodowska. Tho, IIRC, also an unusual teacher is instrumental. I think this applies to N and S.


bc