The Rosie Result (Don Tillman, #3)

by Graeme Simsion

It’s better to learn from people who have had to work hard to achieve their skills, rather than the naturally talented.”

When I was in grade school, I was frequently sent to the headmaster’s office, primarily by the religious-instruction teacher. It became a ritual that I would make some “unhelpful” or “peculiar” or “disgusting” comment about Our Lord or the Holy Bible, be told to sit outside the office, then read a book until the end of the lesson. It would have been easier for everyone if I could have been excused from the class permanently rather than having to prepare an offensive comment every week.

None of us is expert in all situations. It is a sign of intelligence to recognize our limitations and of maturity to seek help when required. The school had zero problem with him being coached in the physical aspects of the cross-country run but apparently would have thought him deficient if he had sought help with the psychological component.