As an early teen Einstein clashed with authorities and resented the school regimen. He later wrote that the spirit of learning and creative thought were lost in strict rote learning.

Many are familiar with Edison’s early years. His mind wandered in school and his teacher described him as “addled.” Edison’s official schooling lasted only three months. He was then brought home and homeschooled by his mother.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, “Some researchers now wonder if would-be Einsteins and Edisons will choose different career paths because their creativity and drive are dulled by ADHD drugs.”

In his ongoing research into boyhood, Dr. Pollack has found anecdotal evidence that Ritalin renders some kids less interested in pursuing creative opportunities. One boy he studied had been active in his school’s science club. After he was put on Ritalin, he felt like the spark inside him was extinguished. He lost interest in the science club and dropped out. Eventually, he stopped taking Ritalin, returned to the club, and developed a flashlight alarm system that won a major science competition.

Read the entire article here: What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? ADHD’s Impact on Creativity