Do you think children are born smart or they learn to become smart?

I don’t think intelligence is purely something children are born with, although natural ability definitely plays a role. Some children seem to pick things up quickly from a very young age, but that doesn’t mean their future is fixed. In my view, children become smarter through curiosity, practice, good teaching, and the chance to make mistakes without feeling embarrassed. A child who is encouraged to ask questions and solve problems can develop a much sharper mind over time. At school, children become smart not just by memorising facts, but by learning how to think. For example, group projects, experiments, reading, debates, and problem-solving tasks can help them connect ideas and see things from different angles. That’s also why some people become well-rounded: they are exposed to different subjects and activities, and they are willing to try things outside their comfort zone. Others may focus deeply on one area, like music, maths, or sport, and become excellent at that, which is also valuable. Modern society needs all kinds of talent because problems today are too complex for only one type of intelligence. We need scientists, artists, engineers, teachers, carers, entrepreneurs, and many others. As for smart children being happier, I wouldn’t say so automatically. If they are under too much pressure, they may feel anxious or lonely. So I think schools should identify each student’s talents, but they should do it carefully. The goal should be to help children grow with confidence, not to label them too early or make them feel superior or inferior.