Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Written by Angela Duckworth
Narrated by Angela Duckworth
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.
In Grit, she takes us into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll.
“Duckworth’s ideas about the cultivation of tenacity have clearly changed some lives for the better” (The New York Times Book Review). Among Grit’s most valuable insights: any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal; grit can be learned, regardless of IQ or circumstances; when it comes to child-rearing, neither a warm embrace nor high standards will work by themselves; how to trigger lifelong interest; the magic of the Hard Thing Rule; and so much more. Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference. This is “a fascinating tour of the psychological research on success” (The Wall Street Journal).
Editor's Note
A new classic…
Angela Duckworth’s new classic proves you don’t have to be a genius to succeed. All you need is grit. Learn how to use your passion and persistence to plow through the rough patches on the road to making your dreams a reality.
Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth, PhD, is a 2013 MacArthur Fellow and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She has advised the World Bank, NBA and NFL teams, and Fortune 500 CEOs. She is also the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance scientific insights that help kids thrive. She completed her BA in neurobiology at Harvard, her MSc in neuroscience at Oxford, and her PhD in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is her first book and an instant New York Times bestseller.
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Reviews for Grit
1,871 ratings108 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This was informative and interesting. Got the audiobook. Can't say however, that I couldn't wait to put it on and listen every time. Didn't really tell me too much I didn't already know.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Overall an interesting look into a topic that has become more and more popular in public education. The idea that grit and perseverance can be one of the most important character traits to have and develop for all people, but especially young people, is fascinating and makes a great deal of sense. This book really breaks down that idea and combines simple explanations of the research with examples and interviews with famous people from all walks of life. I think this book was stretched from what could have been 100 pages into a book of almost 300 pages, but I enjoyed the many anecdotes. Good to read for parents and teachers.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5It was a bit dry but I got the point.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great audiobook and worth your time; so much so that I will listen again to glean even more.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5At first, I thought this seemed like an unnecessary book. "After all, everybody knows that hard work is more important than talent or intelligence." But I was pleasantly surprised to find out just how important grit is to success, and how to develop grit.
I was also surprised just how applicable it was. I thought it was mostly going to be for those who are extremely career driven, or those who want to be an Olypian or something. However it's applicable to anyone that wants to be better at their hobbies or instruments, a better parent, or to find their calling in a professional sense. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5On the pschology of success.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love how the author tells the story of people regarding grit, very useful read for those who gives up easily.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I've always been an admirer of Duckworth's research and data-driven dialogue; this caused a big 'level up' in my respect for the author. Data, yes, but in very relatable, applicable story nuggets.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The book is an exceptional read. Grit is about passion and purpose
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Will be referring back to this book again and again. I think in the past I gave up on a lot of things I loved because I thought I wasn’t good or talented enough to make something of myself with it. After reading I feel comforted, inspired, and ready to grow my grittiness!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I love all the research that was depicted in this book! It's not just like every other opinion book, but highly researched & well read by the author. Thx you for a great informative book!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Grit is at times hard to describe although everyone knows what it is; @grit_project_p6 attempts not only to explain it but also provides tools to measure it and even some guidelines on how to increase it.
She dedicates a chapter to how it can be applied and develop in our kids which helps sets them up for life.
I really enjoy that she admits that there are some questions pending to answer, one important one is the possibility of a social price to be paid for the pursuit of grit and what's "missed"
4 of 5
@doorquotes - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I liked this book, but it was more serious and intellectual than other business or self help books I've read. There are some good tips on how to develop grit, but there's also a lot of information on why people who succeed have grit.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Well worth the time. This book changed the way I look at talent and grit. I'll definitely be re-reading this one.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Really enjoyed listening to Angela. She reads pleasantly and it was an inspiring literary work.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Great premise, ironically I couldn’t finish the book. Will try again, maybe I just didn’t stay long enough to get past all the different ways she could describe how effort+talent=skill and get onto how to measure and build grit. Or maybe the book was an exercise in building grit?
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book open my sees to a lot of possibilities.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good , I enjoyed it for the most part. Would recommend
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is a very nice, well written book! The lessons are true treasures! Definitely a must read book and the lessons should be applied with persistence!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A must read for everyone looking to achieve more in life
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It must read for everyone including students in middle and high school and in college and every adult who wants to success.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. I would encourage everybody to read or listen to the audio book. Absolutely magnificent!!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5LOVE this book! Absolutely amazing! So far, there has been no other self-improvement book that has made an impact as much as this book! I absolutely recommend it to everybody!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wow. I’ve read lots of books on achievement and self-development over the years but this one is one of the best. I am a teacher/counselor and future administrator in public schools. The idea of teaching grit is keenly important to me and my work. This book sparked so many ideas to put into practice. Not to mention motivated me to be a better version of myself. ANYONE can benefit from this read. Highly highly recommend!!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was a fantastic balance of thought-provoking self reflection, research based evidence, and engaging storytelling. As someone who has never viewed herself as someone who is naturally talented at anything I tried, this book resonated with me in a deep place. I was sad to finish but excited to go and apply the principles and will be back to read again.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Truly inspiring and motivating. I love how scientifically backed and researched the information is as well as powered by passion. Anyone looking to better themselves and others around them should definitely read this book
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Is indeed a great book! A must read and adopt in our life!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Listen to it if you can’t find your passion or find it hard to stick at anything long enough.
Great book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5valuable information for teachers, parents, professionals,and anyone that works with children.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Fascinating and motivating.
Insights into broadly ranging industries, schools of thought, and walks of life to compile compelling evidence suggesting the influence of grit on achievement. Loved every part of this book.