"You've probably heard something like this before: "Every child is unique and special."

It is a refrain many kids hear repeatedly while growing up. We all have something to contribute to this world, something that only we can add to the mix. This notion is fundamental to the American character, the essence of our individual-based society.

The Lake Wobegon effect is when everybody considers that they are the ones who are above average. (Below average? Well, that's somebody else.)

But everyone can't be that good, that smart or that rich."

Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: Age-old, old-age question: Are we unique? (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 9/3)

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