Jack Horner's The Extraordinary Characteristics Of Dyslexia

Jack Horner’s “The Extraordinary Characteristics of Dyslexia” challenged my perception of dyslexics. He contrasts two different mindsets and gives encouragement to those that may feel burdened by dyslexia. Horner struggled with dyslexia growing up and even failed out of college multiple times. He persevered through his failures, learned to think outside the box, and achieved success as a renowned paleontologist. While most might view dyslexia negatively, Horner views it as a way of understanding the world that in some ways is superior.
In his work Horner explains how dyslexia is not necessarily a learning disability. Instead it is a different way of seeing the world and processing information than what is considered normal in society. He goes
Time and text are two major focus points in a linear thinker’s worldview. Horner states, “Spatial thinkers are extremely visual, highly imaginative, and work in three dimensions, none of which has anything to do with time.” Linear thinkers see spatial thinkers as those that think “outside the box”. Horner had this to say about being someone who is considered to think “outside the box”, “However, we think outside the box precisely because we have never been in one.” Another point Horner makes about dyslexics are that they are freer to take risks. Unfortunately, society tends to look down on those with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. They grow up in an environment where not much is expected from them. Not being encumbered by the worries of failure and not meeting expectations can cause dyslexics to take more chances and chase their dreams. In contrast, having high expectations thrust upon linear thinkers can inversely cause them not to reach great plateaus of achievement. Fearing failure, they may give up, become complacent, or not take chances. Horner states “personally, I think dyslexia and the consequences of dyslexia- learning to deal with failure- explains my own