In this book, University of Pennsylvania psychology professor Angela Duckworth shares her own and others' research about what makes some people more successful than others, a trait that she defines as grit. Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance and while some people seem to have always had this quality, Duckworth believes that you can become grittier through specific practices, and you can help others (e.g., your children, your employees) become grittier as well. Some of her findings show that while talent is important, effort counts for more in measures of success. Much of Duckworth's research relies upon self reporting through surveys that ask participants to rate themselves on questions such as "I finish whatever I begin," or "I am diligent. I never give up." The seond section of the book explores how you can increase your own level of grit by following your passion, deliberate practice, having a purpose that is connected to your core values, and maintaining a sense of hope. The third section looks at how you can inculcate grit in others through encouragement, modeling grit in your own practices, and other means.
While I enjoyed this book and the many examples and anecdotes, I was horrified by some of the animal testing that was used by other researchers and reported on here by Duckworth. Examples using electrical shocks on dogs and rats that showed how random applications removed their willingness to keep trying to get treats and caused long-term damage to their psyches are horrific. I don't believe research such as this is ethical and didn't appreciate seeing it in a book that is meant to address human grittiness. I don't think such research is necessary to show that continually causing random pain to someone (human or animal) proves that it will make them timid and frightened, and I'm surprised that Duckworth would think it's ok to report on in a popular business book that's intended to help people become better versions of themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment