[nicollo]

I work with grad students..

When I went back to grad school as a 40+ student, I was far older than the students, of course, and older than all but one of my professors.

They were all very smart, but ignorant of the world and lacking common sense, professors included. When they looked at me quizzically over some obvious insight they hadn't seen, I answered them w/ the old Spanish expression, "El diablo es sabio no por ser intelligente, por ser viejo."

("The devil is wise not because he is smart but because he is old.").

[SMARTY]

“They were all very smart, but ignorant of the world and lacking common sense, professors included.”

Correct-That is the entire problem. I wonder how they will do when they leave.

They really live a sheltered and unrealistic life. We are their safety net and they have so much to learn.