The Savant
Starting Point. Discuss the questions below.
What is the connection between the two pictures above?
Who is a savant?
Laurence Kim Peek (November 11, 1951 – December 19, 2009) was an American savant.
Known as a “megasavant”, he had an exceptional memory, but he also experienced social difficulties, possibly resulting from a developmental disability related to brain abnormalities.
He was the inspiration for the character of Raymond Babbitt, played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie Rain Man.
Focus on Listening. Watch the video.
Focus on Comprehension. Answer the questions below about the video.
Focus on Speaking.
Although this is just the first part of a longer program, it raises a bunch of interesting questions:
a) What is the true meaning of genius?
b) How important was “sharing Kim with the world”?
c) How are intelligence and social skills linked, if at all?
d) Is there a question you would ask Kim Peek if you could?
