THE PARADOX OF INTELLIGENCE: WHY SMART STUDENTS SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY
Introduction Intelligence is often celebrated as a guarantee of success. Teachers, parents, and peers admire the students who grasp concepts quickly, ace exams, and seem to have the answers before anyone else. We assume that the brightest students will naturally excel in life. Yet, in reality, some of the most intelligent students quietly settle into mediocrity. They have potential, talent, and opportunities, but they fail to reach the heights they are capable of. Mediocrity among intelligent st