Charles Schwab

Investment Banker, Philanthropist

I went through life until 40 before I knew about dyslexia. I didn’t get interested in the subject until my youngest son was diagnosed.

When I look at the words “the cat crossed the street,” I have to sound it out to get meaning. Most people get meaning in an automated way.

I majored in economics. The first two years I struggled because there were so many subjects. I flunked English twice. They just passed me through the third time. I got an F in French. I had a tough enough time with the first language. When I came out of public high school I thought I could charm my teachers. I found out in college I couldn’t.

Now that I’m older and focused on investments and economics, I can see some words and concepts clearly. I don’t have to go through the slow manipulation in my mind. But if you gave me a book on some subject that I’m not familiar with, it would take me twice as long to read it as anybody else. Even then, I’d have a tough time answering questions on what I’ve read.