The 1700's were a very different era, that's true. People were around fewer people, and not as much emphasis was placed on social skills. How many possible Thomas Jeffersons and Ben Franklins could there be out there today that are not being given the chances that they deserve?
Thomas Jefferson was sensitive to noise, was known to carry around a pet bird, and often showed up to important meetings in his pajamas! He also was particularly close to only one person: his slave Sally Hemmings, with whom he fathered a number of children with.
Ben Franklin was an eccentric genius. He was a champion chess player, scientist, and inventor. His trip to Paris could even have saved the American Revolution! However, today his behavior would be considered extremely socially unacceptable. He was considered "quirky" even for that time period. As a matter of fact, the legend goes that they wouldn't let him draft the Declaration of Independence-for fear that he'd make it inappropriate!
But where would we be today without such mindsets? Autism gave us everything! Who knows how many possible Ben Franklins and Thomas Jeffersons there could be out there wasting away in special ed and menial careers?
We do ourselves no favors by wasting talent. Our society has changed very, very, much. And we've got to get some of that former mindset back. I'm not saying that the 1700's were a terrific time-women (well, depending on where you were) and people of color sure didn't have it easy. Let's not bring back *that* mindset. But let's start seeing the individual again-and judge people on true talent, not just how social they are!
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