Summary and Analysis of
Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Based on the Book by Angela Duckworth
Contents
Context
Overview
Summary
Cast of Characters
Direct Quotes and Analysis
Trivia
What’s That Word?
Critical Response
About Angela Duckworth
For Your Information
Bibliography
Copyright
Context
In our current educational and workplace cultures, where people are judged by the narrow standards of IQ and family income, respectively, psychologist and MacArthur Fellow Angela Duckworth introduces two brand-new predictors of success: passion and perseverance. Duckworth contends that these two qualities, as opposed to innate talent, are the real foundation of accomplishment, opening the door and giving hope to individuals of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities. Together, she defines these qualities as “grit.”
Building on the work of many other noted psychologists and researchers, Duckworth details what grit is and how one can get it, grow it, and encourage it in others.
Duckworth’s TED Talk on grit has been viewed more than 8 million times, and her book was an immediate bestseller, spawning articles and think pieces in outlets as varied as Slate and Scientific American.
Overview
Angela Duckworth, who holds degrees in neuroscience and psychology, offers evidence-based research to argue that the qualities she deems to be part of “grit”—determination, resilience, passion, and perseverance—may matter more in shaping career and academic success than intellect or innate ability. Luck, opportunity, and ability matter as well, of course, but without grit, they are not enough. What does grit entail? Committing to something as if it is a life mission, with a full heart and love for the work; getting back up when you are knocked down; and sticking to a goal like glue. These traits are far more likely to help you get ahead than being the smartest person in the room. Those with grit strive to complete whatever they set out to do despite any pain or disappointment that may occur along the way.
The two key elements of grit are passion and perseverance. The main components of passion are interest and purpose, while perseverance is made up of practice and hope. Often passion gets lost in the equation, but Duckworth makes the distinction between sticking to something out of fear of failure and getting up day after day because of an innate interest in the endeavor and a general optimism that it can be achieved.
Duckworth goes beyond a definition of this theory to discuss how to cultivate the qualities of grit, providing concrete steps that can help readers become gritty. She shows grit at work in the examples of West Point cadets, dedicated athletes, and Scripps National Spelling Bee winners. Everyone has the ability to grow and leverage grit on his chosen path to success, she helps readers find and develop it within themselves.