[mortenjorck]

I think this is the right angle to take.

Unlike a lot of breathless "engineering breakthrough" stories, this piece, as well as young Mr. Sansone himself, readily acknowledge that this is a work in progress and may not pan out. Even if it doesn't, what an incredible achievement for a high-schooler – and just imagine the great contributions to the field this kid is poised to make in the coming decades.

[moffkalast]

> and just imagine the great contributions to the field this kid is poised to make in the coming decades

Well let's curb the expectations for now, it can be quite damaging for a kid be held forever to an potentially unrealistic standard just because they did something great once. I mean sure for the occasional genius it turns out fine because they live up to it, but for the rest it's a self hate and imposter syndrome on steroids.

[hosh]

I think this person has a strong intrinsic motivation to contribute innovations. He has already worked on other projects before this one. We don't have to have any expectations or setting up any extrinsic motivations or even to be cheerleaders, and instead, we can honor and respect him for who he is, and his chosen purpose. And for those with the capability and availability, act as resource if he needs it. (In the article, he says he was working without a mentor and had to figure a lot of stuff out himself).

[enduser]

I solved a major FBI case when I was 18 years old. 20 years later I'm finally stabilizing on steady beneficial contribution to society instead of pining for the next moonshot / recognition.

Thanks for being real.

[mr_gibbins]

I don't know, he's already completed 60 engineering projects and this is his 15th attempt at his 61st project. The motivation and talent is certainly there. At 17 I was pushing supermarket carts around and smoking weed with my friends. He's certainly worth keeping an eye on.

[ianai]

No expectations, just recognition of potential and effort.

[Angostura]

> the Fort Pierce, Florida-based inventor estimates he’s completed at least 60 engineering projects in his spare time. And he’s only 17 years old.

I don't think you have to worry too much about that.

[red75prime]

I hope he doesn't care what people expect of him and hold himself to the highest standard possible.

[tomthe]

Correct. Expect regression to the mean.

[zasdffaa]

"Expect" or "I want"? Comes across like you want him reduced to mediocrity.

[gumby]

... and then be excited and supportive if/when he's an outlier.

[djmips]

I don't know, there are plenty of counter examples.