People around the world are saddened today by the apparent suicide of Robin Williams. As newsworthy as this is, why would I be talking about this on the ATYP blog? For several reasons, and those don't even include the fact that I am a great admirer of both his talent and his humanity.
First, there is no doubt that Robin Williams was gifted - a true comic genius - and many studies show that the gifted show greater intensities and sensitivities. Just because you have a greater awareness and knowledge of the world around you does not necessarily mean that you are better equipped to deal with it. In fact, just the opposite can be true - many are overwhelmed by their own personal issues and the issues of the world. We all need to be more aware that there is sometimes a correlation between giftedness and intensity, and vigilant in the protection of our young people, who can be at risk.
Second, in two of Williams' most iconic roles he portrayed men whose job was to guide young people in discovering their own talents and passions. In both Dead Poets Society (PG-13) and Good Will Hunting (R) (both highly recommended films, although parents should be aware of adult themes and language), he brilliantly showed what many of us already know - that no matter how gifted you are, it helps to have someone along the way who understands your questions and confusion and can help to put you on the path to uncovering your true self. We should all be lucky enough to have people in our lives - teachers, counselors, parents, ministers, mentors - who serve in this role. In many cases they switch on a light that keeps us from bumping around aimlessly in the dark.
Lastly, I don't think it's a coincidence that Williams' last television show was called "The Crazy Ones". I believe the title was taken from the following quote by Steve Jobs:
This is what I think we should take away from the gift that was Robin Williams, and what I think we should all strive to do - be crazy enough to think that we can change the world.“Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
