Many talented dyslexics became so talented because of their dyslexia, not despite it. Read a full list of people who are dyslexic or had symptoms of dyslexia or related learning problems.
Quotes From Famous Dyslexics
“I had to train myself to focus my attention. I became very visual and learned how to create mental images in order to comprehend what I read.”
—Tom Cruise, actor (He learns lines by listening to a tape)
“I never read in school. I got really bad grades. In the second week of the 11th grade, I just quit. When I was in school, it was really difficult. Almost everything I learned, I had to learn by listening. My report cards always said that I was not living up to my potential. Don’t focus on how Dyslexia makes life tougher... instead...hear the invisible voices of creativity that sing louder in your heart than those less fortunate people who have not been given our gift (curse) to challenge them to greater heights. Make peace with it and fly!”
—Cher, actress, singer
“My teachers say I’m addled…my father thought I was stupid, and I almost decided I must be a dunce.”
—Thomas Edison (His mother withdrew him from school and taught him herself.)
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
— Walt Disney (He was labeled a “slow” child)
“I think in 3D Technicolor pictures instead of words…I don’t think of dyslexia as a deficiency. It’s like having CAD (computer-aided design) in your brain.”
—Bill Dreyer, inventor and biologist at Cal-Tech
“Once the fog lifts, dyslexics are prone to genius. Because theirs is such a unique way of looking at reality.”
—Victor Villasenor, author
“For me, dyslexia is not a disability. The unique strengths and characteristics of dyslexia allow me to think ‘outside the box.’”
—Peter W. D. Wright, author and attorney who represents children with special educational needs (He struggled with dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADHD.)
