In an Upside-Down World, Is the Gifted Person the One Who Stands Out Upside-Down or Right-Side Up? The Role of Transcendent Giftedness

This article describes a new construct of transcendent giftedness, which is a high form of character. Transcendent giftedness is not genetic; it is a choice, one that few people make because of pressures to be otherwise. Transcendent giftedness comprises wisdom, moral intelligence, a transcendent sense of purpose and meaning in life, and courage. The article reviews each element and makes some suggestions for developing one’s gifts to allow them to transcend the pressures of everyday life that can result in gifts being used for nonoptimal purposes.