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'Ivy Retardation' Curse of Elites

Inflated self-worth, narrow view of smarts disadvantage of life at top

By Kate Rockwood, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 27, 2008 5:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – Its advantages are undeniable, but an elite education can also cause a crippling case of “Ivy retardation,” as William Deresiewicz realized while struggling, despite fluency in several languages, to make small talk with his blue-collar plumber in Boston. “The best and the... Read full story »

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'Ivy Retardation' Curse of Elites

Inflated self-worth, narrow view of smarts disadvantage of life at top

education • Ivy League • working class • elite

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More Newser Stories

Preschool Sued for Ruining Tot's Ivy League Chances

$19K preschool 'just one big playroom'

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Top schools see no application shortage despite economy

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Harvard accepts just 7% of applicants

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Afghan School Girls Sprayed With Poison

More than 120 students, three teachers hospitalized

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