Mental Giftedness Alone Is No Guarantee of Good Values

Regarding your article on the Mirman School (“Where Bright Minds Can Shine,” Nov. 20), I have no objections to such institutions that educate mentally gifted children. However, I read nothing describing the moral education of these students. Principal Barry Ziff says, “Average people don’t change the world.” This may be true, but highly intelligent individuals have done great harm to the world when they have used their gifts selfishly.

With exceptional ability comes exceptional responsibility. Without a moral foundation, these students could grow up to be elitist snobs. But with the proper moral education, they could become, not only intelligent, but also wise. Only then could the gifted become the gift.

STEVE MILLS

Glendale

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As the mother of two kids bright enough to go to the Mirman School, I can only say that the article and its principal, Barry Ziff, validate my feeling that it fosters an elitist and arrogant attitude toward society. Ziff would do well to remember that the Vietnam War was orchestrated by “the best and the brightest,” whereas the men and women who fought in WWII--probably most of them average--are the people who saved and, indeed, changed the world for guys like Ziff.

LEEAN LOWE

Los Angeles

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Regarding Principal Barry Ziff’s quote that “Average people don’t change the world.” I’d like to point out to Mr. Ziff that without an army of average Joes storming the beaches of Normandy, he would not have the freedom to sit in his aerie and spout silly generalizations.

JEFF LANTOS

Marina del Rey