There seems to be an assumption that academic success leads to successes in life in general; and it's assumed that the converse is also true. I don't think that

There seems to be an assumption that academic success leads to successes in life in general; and it's assumed that the converse is also true. I don't think that this is necessarily true. Some people fail academically but feel that they have good lives later on, and I'm sure there are academic successes (however you define "academic success") that end up living lives they never wanted. Some experiences (or often, failures) outside the sheltered educational environment might just teach some lessons that could lead to success. Disclaimer: not saying we shouldn't try and nurture the gifted, but formal education isn't the be all and end all in life.