Part 2/8:
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, challenges the pervasive belief in talent as the primary driver of success. In her research, which spans the military, sports, business, and education, Duckworth identifies a recurring theme: successful individuals tend to exhibit not just exceptional talent but also remarkable passion and perseverance—qualities she collectively refers to as "grit."
Duckworth opens her book by addressing our inherent bias towards talent. She references Friedrich Nietzsche, who suggested that our vanity prompts us to revere genius, allowing us to avoid confronting our limitations. By subscribing to the idea that success is purely a function of talent, we excuse ourselves from the effort required to reach our goals.