3 great people who were bad at school

For centuries, teachers have tried to convince their students that success in life is closely linked to academic achievement, but not everyone believes it. And in some ways, they were right. Because history knows many examples of when "D" students have reached incredible achievements. We invite you to get acquainted with those great people who drove their parents almost to despair with their lack of enthusiasm and normal grades at school.

05/06/23 01:31

Winston Churchill arrives at Church House to receive the Honorary Freedom of the City of Westminster in 1946. He wears a three piece suit, polka dot silk bow tie and top hat.

Bill Gates: an ardent anti-humanitarian and genius

The founder of Microsoft ignored all humanities subjects completely, not considering them interesting. He was sincerely sorry to spend time on them, which could be devoted to his favorite math and programming. Naturally, his parents were dissatisfied with the situation and tried to use financial incentives to motivate Bill.

This approach did not work either – he continued to do what he liked and was very successful. For example, he scored a record 800 points on his math exam, although even a 750 was considered almost unrealistic. You can’t help but wonder how early this person felt his destiny and determined his field of interest.

Thomas Edison

As you know, Edison is a great inventor and author of more than a thousand patents. Among his inventions are an electric light bulb, an electric meter, and a phonograph. Despite all this, Edison was terrible at school and was constantly distracted. His parents were even asked to withdraw their child from school, as the teacher considered Thomas mentally retarded.

Thomas Edison was home-schooled, and his primary teacher was his mother, who never told him the real reason why he was expelled from school. The great inventor learned about it only after her death.

Winston Churchill: he caught up with and bested everyone, but not right away

Surprisingly, the talented politician was also the worst student at school. In addition, he was in a weak state of health. Therefore, he could not enter Eton and received his education at Harrow, where he became one of the 12 best graduates. How, with all his abilities, intelligence, and cunning, Churchill was so bad at school remains a mystery. He was a versatile and admirable personality. However, if he developed his abilities to the maximum level, he did not take care of his health even in his mature years.

Yesterday’s “D” student became a legend, although none of his classmates could have predicted it. And there are many such examples. Who among your friends hated school but later made a brilliant career?