ridiculous article on dyslexic entrepreneurs in the telegraph
November 20th, 2007 by chris spavini just read an article by stephen tyler in the telegraph on dyslexic entrepreneurs. tyler argues that dyslexic entrepreneurs are more likely to take risks than non-dyslexic entrepreneurs because – get this – they simply don’t understand figures.
i think the argument is twaddle for a couple reasons:
1- “julie logan, professor of entrepreneurship, said: “we measured propensity for risk taking and it was absolutely the same [for dyslexic entrepreneurs] as non-dyslexic entrepreneurs…”
2- while it’s true that “existing academic studies show that UK entrepreneurs are twice as likely to suffer dyslexia than an average person” tyler does not present any evidence to suggest that this is because they don’t understand numbers. a stronger desire to prove one’s self and to prove naysayers wrong, and a greater determination to overcome obstacles seem like more reasonable explanations. furthermore, a detachment from the education system and other modes of ’institutional thinking’ could be an additional reason why dyslexics are more prone to innovation and risk-taking.
i’m no expert on dyslexia but tyler’s argument seems totally bogus. any other opinions? i do have to say, though, that i didn’t know that entrepreneurs were that much more likely to be dyslexic – very interesting indeed.
chris spavin
November 20th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Well it’s probably because dyslexic entrepreneurs have to think ‘outside the box’ to succeed in ordinary life. That might make it easier (or more used) to thinking creatively.
I’d hate to argue with Mr Tyler though…
June 30th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Many dyslexics pour their souls into hobbies where they can achieve well needed success. If they find they have a real talent this can give them the idea for a future career.