Should We Raise Children To Be Brilliant Or Happy?

Yes, that's the choice

Hello Ruffians. In this week’s main feature I look how some exceptional individuals were raised and educated and ask what, if anything, we (parents, educators, citizens) can learn from such examples. Plus: notes on Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation, and some tip-top things to read, watch and listen to, including some amazing supernatural Beatles covers. This is for paid subscribers. If you’re not signed up yet, now is the time! It’s paying subscribers who make the Ruffian possible.

The young Virginia Woolf.

Most of you with school-age children will have been spending more time with them than usual this week.¹ How did you use that time? Let me put the question another way. What did you optimise for: happiness or brilliance?