Recently
reviewed an old UK TV program that some of you may find interesting.
Below are
the words of Richard Branson and the program narrator --
Narrator: “Dyslexics
already run some of the world’s leading businesses. Despite the memory gaps and
an aversion to long reports and figures, Richard Branson says being dyslexic
has given him a business edge.”
Richard
Branson: “I think I will look for the bigger picture. I will base my decisions
on personal experiences and gut feelings. You can awaken strengths that
non-dyslexics don’t necessarily know exist – or don’t use enough. There are
other dyslexics I have met who take a similar, broader approach to these
issues.”
Narrator:
“Battling against dyslexia has given [Branson] his drive in life.”
Branson:
“I love testing myself to see what I am capable of. The first twelve years of
my life I was a failure. I was bottom of the class in almost every class at
school. I am always trying to prove something to myself – and trying to get
other people around me to prove something to themselves – whether it is my
entrepreneurism or my adventurism. . . .”
The
entire UK Channel 4 TV program finishes with this quotation from Branson:
“[To have people] understand that people with dyslexia are not necessarily
thick in everything is quite important.”
Source and
Credits: “Dyslexic Genius.” One in a series of three programs on different
aspects of dyslexia. Along with Branson, this program features other highly
successful dyslexics: an actress, a furniture designer, a computer game
designer and a feature film maker. Produced by Twenty Twenty Television for
Channel 4 Television. Executive
Producers: Claudia Milne and Iain Bruce. Director and Series Producer: Dan
Clifton. Thomas G. West was interviewed in Britain by Dan Clifton for the
making of this documentary. West also had a very short appearance in this
documentary film – shot by a UK film crew at the US National Library of
Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
