For decades, the condition known as “dyslexia” was considered a handicap or even a mental disability because of the seemingly insurmountable obstacle it creates for young people who are trying to learn the simplest of things. While it can stand in the way of learning language, reading, symbol recognition, patterns, mathematics, and even the mastery of some motor skills, dyslexia is not the disability that people used to think it is. In fact, people who are diagnosed with it often call it a gift. Perhaps taking a closer look at successful people who have had the condition might help you better understand the unknown benefits of dyslexia.
Some of the greatest minds in the modern world have been dyslexic. This includes:
• Thomas Jefferson
• General George Patton
• Pablo Picasso
• Leonardo DaVinci
• Thomas Edison
• Lewis Carroll
These were politicians, patriots, leaders, artists, thinkers, inventors, and revolutionaries….I think you say where I’m going with this. Apparently, when people say “think outside the box,” they could mean “pretend you were dyslexic.” Not only are these names significant because of what they did, these most notable names of history are such because of what they changed. Paradigm shifts occur on a rare occasion and yet it seems that when one approaches, someone of dyslexic mind accompanies it. Apparently, one benefit of dyslexia is having the ability to see things in a way that can solve the problems other minds create. One of the great thinkers of the 20th century, Albert Einstein said:
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
He was also suspected of having dyslexia.
Another unknown benefit of dyslexia is that it can force strong-willed students to persevere regardless of the difficulty. In fact, there is a fair population of the Hollywood elite that will tell you that their inability to memorize their lines or understand the sequencing of words or processing of the day’s events did not stand in their way. In fact, they worked harder than everyone else because it was the only way to succeed; and they did. This list includes:
• Henry Winkler (the ‘Fonz’ from “Happy Days”) admits the unique workings of his brain prevented him from actually learning how to properly coordinate his limbs to operate the throttle, clutch, and steering of a motorcycle
• Orlando Bloom (of “Lord of the Rings” fame) said he “had to work three times as hard to get two thirds of the way.”
• Keira Knightley (of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame) always knew she wanted to be an actress but found it difficult to cold read at the age of 8 because of her dyslexia. With determination and appropriate coaching, she overcame it within 3 years!
• Vince Vaughn (of, most recently “Couple’s Retreat”) admits he is grateful for his dyslexia because even though he struggled in school, it taught him perseverance and success through overcoming
Aside from great philosophers and actors, though, two of the most influential people in modern media were also known to be dyslexic. It should go without saying that there is no reason to not know why these two men are on this list: Steven Spielberg and Steve Jobs.
