Some children benefit from enrichment classes at an early age. Extraordinary minds merely require the right opportunity to reveal natural talents. While there is an ongoing debate on nature versus nurture when it comes to intellectual development, it is unarguable that some children surpass society’s expectations of what is ordinary.
As Heguru Education Centre puts it, early childhood education can bring out the full potential of an individual. Let’s get to know the people who achieved great intellectual capacity at a young age:
Gregory Smith, Philanthropist and Human Rights Advocate
Gregory was able to read at the tender age of two. By the time he was ten, he was already studying in a local college for higher learning. After completing his degree, Gregory founded the International Youth Advocates.
Gregory was able to win an audience with former US President Bill Clinton and Soviet Union Head of State Mikhail Gorbachev. He also delivered a speech in the United Nations. Gregory was among the youngest nominees in history for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Akrit Jaswal, Surgeon
As India’s youngest physician, Akrit had displayed a high aptitude for learning when he was barely a year old. Before the age of five, his interest in the field of medicine was already apparent in the various medical books and journals that he preferred to read.
Akrit began performing surgical operations when he was seven. Since then, he has devoted himself to learning more about the healing process of the human body. He has great contributions in medical research and application—his current work focuses on finding a cure for cancer. Akrit has an IQ of 146.
Kim Ung-Yong, Physicist and Engineer
With an IQ of 210, Kim is referred to as one of the smartest people in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records recognises him as the person with the highest IQ level recorded.
At the early age of three, Kim entered university to study physics. At seven years of age, he went to NASA to complete his studies. From there, he achieved a doctorate degree and made significant contributions to NASA’s research. He also pursued a doctorate degree in civil engineering.
These prodigies show us that age is not a limitation to achieving greatness. If anything, they serve as an inspiration for the next generation.