Experiencing brilliance vicariously through a genetic link

*This is a duplicate post from my personal blog. Just wanted to share.*

As I sat through Summer Graduation/Convocation at BYU-Idaho on Thursday I had an epiphany. It had nothing to do with the speakers (who were all very good, I might add). My epiphany came when one of the graduates sat down to perform a piano solo: Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" in C-sharp minor.

Kara used to play that song. I think she was in high school. She played it all the time, and from what I remember, she played it brilliantly. I really love that song and it is all due to Kara. However, as this graduate sat down to play I began to compare her performance to my sister's. It was not a flattering comparison for that unwitting graduate. Kara won.

But here's the epiphany: As I began to puff up with pride at my sister's abilities, I realized I was taking Kara's hard work and accomplishments as a personal triumph. I thought that I was awesome, solely because of my connection to Kara.

This has led me to conclude that genetic relationships to brilliant people are just as good as being brilliant yourself. Never mind hard work, never mind personal achievement. I've got amazing family, so I will just coast on their accomplishments in the years to come.

If only I had figured that out before I put myself through the rigors of a Master's thesis.