The Dayton Flyers staged an incredible comeback against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the opening day of March Madness.
The Inside the NBA crew analyzed the game, with Charles Barkley speaking on behalf of Kenny Smith, leading to accusations of cheating.
In response, Barkley defended himself by saying that one should never cheat off the dumbest person in school. Despite Barkley misspeaking, the atmosphere remained lighthearted.
Clark Kellogg added a veteran voice of reason, urging kids not to cheat, and Kenny Smith agreed.
"You never cheat off of the dumbest kid in school. That's a lesson for you. Look at the smart kids if you're gonna cheat off their paper."
Charles Barkley with an important life lesson for the kids. pic.twitter.com/vAEeiVSAdU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 21, 2024
“Cheating off smart kids, not dumb ones, is an important lesson.”
— Charles Barkley
This quote highlights an intriguing aspect of human behavior. Let’s delve into the science behind it.
“You never cheat off of the dumbest kid in school. That’s a lesson for you. Look at the smart kids if you’re gonna cheat off their paper.”
Wise words from Charles Barkley!
It’s a valuable reminder that seeking guidance from those who excel can lead to better outcomes.
Research suggests that the type of praise children receive can significantly influence their behavior, including cheating.
When kids are praised for their intelligence (e.g., “you’re so smart”), they may develop a fixed mindset, believing that their abilities are innate and unchangeable.
Consequently, they may feel immense pressure to maintain their “smart” reputation at any cost.
Here’s the fascinating part: smart kids, who are often praised for their intelligence, might be more prone to cheating.
Why? Because they perceive their intelligence as an inherent trait, leading them to take shortcuts to maintain their image.
In contrast, kids praised for their effort or performance tend to approach tasks with a growth mindset, valuing hard work and learning from mistakes.
So, the lesson here isn’t about cheating off anyone—it’s about fostering a healthy mindset.
Encouraging effort, resilience, and learning can empower all kids, regardless of their perceived intelligence.
