You may have noticed the addition of a question mark to the title of this article. Rest assured, this is not a typo, but rather a mark that I always find shining in my mind and weaving in my chest whenever I look at our educational and social reality. I firmly believe that we all need to keep this mark in mind as we contemplate the reality of the role that construction institutions play in society. What has been achieved in our schools, colleges, and universities in relation to the title of this editorial? I look at this question mark in this title as an indicator directed to our hearts to direct our eyes to the necessity of answering this question now, not tomorrow, we and not other experts in the world. Let us ask ourselves with ease and utmost transparency; do we, as individuals, achieve excellence in our daily work and tasks? Do we allow this for our children and students? Before we answer, allow me to clarify a fact that I do not think anyone is unaware of, but may overlook; there is a clear difference between working well or even perfectly and working with the best of our energies and creative mental abilities. I think that differentiating between the two images is a major factor in understanding the idea of ​​excellence. Perhaps it is clear that our educational and even social institutions adopt only the first image, and neglect and in many cases fight the second image, which explains the dilemma of the lack of spread of the phenomenon of excellence in our societies, or if you will, the rarity of the existence of a real “superstar” among us.

           

I have no doubt that there are high-quality human energies among us that match the highest international standards and specifications, if not surpass them. However, the problem is not in their absence, but in their creation. It is from the grace of God Almighty to humanity and His perfect justice that He has not singled out a race, color, or ethnicity with high mental abilities over others. Rather, peoples and nations compete to discover these abilities in their individuals and bear the responsibility of reviving them and then preparing the appropriate environment for their creation.

 

Whose responsibility is it to create excellence? I have no doubt that this question is too big to be answered adequately in these lines, but why don’t we sum up the answer in a vague phrase and say that it is everyone’s responsibility? And why don’t we say that the perception that society and all its institutions hold about excellence and the distinguished is a major factor in creating it. Isn’t it wise - if you agree with me on this opinion - to start creating this perception in the heart of our educational, social and media institutions?

           

Creating stars who are capable of making profound and important contributions to the present and future of society is not a secondary or optional matter for peoples who consider their progress and excellence their first priority. The existence of more than one real, authentic “superstar” is not something that can happen by wishful thinking, coincidence, or the mere passage of time. Rather, the issue requires a deliberate, insightful, and visionary “industry” that touches on the real needs of society.

           

In our country, the signs of the industry of excellence have appeared - thanks be to God - with a plant planted by the hands of the leaders of this country, and dedicated men and women of knowledge, thought and money have taken it upon themselves to nurture it, resulting in the establishment of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for the Care of the Gifted, which is truly a unique phenomenon on a regional and global scale. The signs of the opening of a department for the care of the gifted continue in the Ministry of Education, the largest educational institution in this young country.

           

Yes.. The industry of excellence has begun in our country, thanks to God Almighty, but there is an important fact that must not be overlooked with the euphoria of beginnings and the sweetness of the road, which is the necessity of professionalizing this craft, as there is no place in this field for amateurs and short-tempered hikers who aspire to quick gains and breathtaking views while they drink a cup of coffee. The industry of excellence in the lives of conscious nations and peoples is a long-term strategic choice that all institutions of society, especially those concerned with dealing with minds, must keep in mind.