Gays, Jews, and Geniuses

The old mindset declares, “Only special people have talent”; the new mindset declares, “Every person has talent.” Both assertions cannot be true.

So when someone declares that we can reshape our understanding of excellence and achievement around strange new principles appointing human beings as the center of our social universe, it’s understandably difficult to swallow.

Not surprisingly, people who seem to do well in this world are ones who do not fit into the traditional organizational structures; they are difficult to hire and manage because they do not rely on traditional symbols of power, such as organizational titles, monetary rewards, and command of large departments. They are driven by intrinsic motivations

Instead, when we seek a dependable formula for success, we turn to the Mozarts, Warren Buffetts, and Tiger Woodses of the world. The ones everybody saw coming.

If these are some of the material conditions, there are equally important social ones, in particular the presence of a surrounding network or milieu. It’s rare for people to develop compelling and coherent ideas on their own. Individuals and teams flourish best in a vibrant milieu that brings together comment and criticism, competition with peers,

Since many autistics have been socially marginalized or treated poorly, they may feel they have little to lose, and that can impel them to take more chances with their ideas and with their careers. They are some of the least likely people to be caught up in “establishment” or conformist modes of thinking.