How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

A Summary

In his groundbreaking book, "How Children Succeed," Paul Tough argues that the key to success in life is not intelligence or talent, but rather a set of character traits that he calls "grit" and "curiosity." Grit is the ability to persevere in the face of setbacks, while curiosity is the desire to learn and explore new things. Tough draws on research from psychology, economics, and education to show that these character traits are more important than IQ in predicting success in school, work, and life.

Grit

Grit is the ability to stick with something even when it's hard. It's the quality that allows people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Tough argues that grit is not something that people are born with, but rather something that can be learned and developed. He identifies three key elements of grit:

Passion: People who are passionate about their goals are more likely to stick with them, even when things get tough.
Perseverance: People who are persevering are able to keep going even when they face setbacks.
Resilience: People who are resilient are able to bounce back from setbacks and learn from their mistakes.

Tough provides numerous examples of people who have achieved great success in life despite facing significant challenges. These examples show that grit is not just a matter of talent or intelligence, but rather a matter of character.

Curiosity

Curiosity is the desire to learn and explore new things. It's the quality that drives people to seek out new experiences and to challenge themselves. Tough argues that curiosity is essential for success in life, because it allows people to learn new things and to adapt to changing circumstances. He identifies three key elements of curiosity:

Openness to experience: People who are open to experience are more likely to try new things and to explore new ideas.
Need for cognition: People who have a high need for cognition are more likely to enjoy learning and to seek out new information.
Intrinsic motivation: People who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to be curious and to learn for the sake of learning.

Tough provides numerous examples of people who have achieved great success in life because of their curiosity. These examples show that curiosity is not just a matter of being smart, but rather a matter of having a passion for learning.

The Hidden Power of Character

Tough argues that grit and curiosity are not just important for success in school and work, but also for success in life. He provides evidence that people who are gritty and curious are more likely to be happy, healthy, and successful in their relationships. He also argues that these character traits can be learned and developed, and that parents and educators can play a role in helping children to develop them.

"How Children Succeed" is a powerful and inspiring book that will change the way you think about success. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to help children reach their full potential.

Why You Should Buy This Book

"How Children Succeed" is a must-read for anyone who wants to help children reach their full potential. It's a powerful and inspiring book that will change the way you think about success. Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:

It's based on solid research. Tough draws on research from psychology, economics, and education to support his arguments.
It's full of real-life examples. Tough provides numerous examples of people who have achieved great success in life despite facing significant challenges.
It's written in a clear and engaging style. Tough's writing is easy to understand and follow, and he does a great job of weaving together research, stories, and personal anecdotes.
It's a call to action. Tough believes that grit and curiosity can be learned and developed, and he provides practical advice on how parents and educators can help children to develop these character traits.

If you want to help children reach their full potential, then I highly recommend that you buy "How Children Succeed." It's a book that will change the way you think about success.