Nothing Replaces Persistence

More reality-mugging ... some excellent discussions of understandings that used to be considered essential to American identity:

• "Creativity Is The Enemy" - This interactive graphic accompanying a WSJ article is a picture of "Ten Bullets" that nicely capture some of the structure and discipline required in any work group. I don't necessarily agree with every detail, but this is required reading for any young person.  And, the "Ten Bullets" video isn't bad, either.  Welcome to the real world.
• "Why Do Some People Learn Faster?" - new study showing that academic accomplishment is increased by praising effort and inhibited by praising ability.  More evidence of the pervasive and deep damage caused by the narcissistic self-esteem movement that gained widespread acceptance in the 60's.  And, more evidence of the fraying of the progressive paradigm.  For more, see Freud , John Dewey, the birth of modern progressivism, and the shift from Christian skepticism about fallen humanity to secular optimism about human perfectability.
•  "Can Everyone Be Smart At Everything?" - Identity as a learning disability ... somehow I don't think this will diminish our culture of narcissism, identity politics, self-esteem, and other navel-gazing tendencies to worship the "god within."
• Re-engineered by Google - an intriguing anecdote by a father and employer who is taken aback by the pervasive channeling of Google by his daughter and employees.