Biography
Angela Duckworth is a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor and MacArthur Fellow whose research focuses on grit, self-control, and achievement. She taught middle school before earning her PhD at Penn and later founded Character Lab to advance the science of character development. Her bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has shaped thinking in education and performance science. She co-hosts No Stupid Questions on the Freakonomics network. If you’re browsing the Angela Duckworth book list, you’ll find practical, research-backed guidance for cultivating passion and perseverance.
Author Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Born On | 1970 (1) |
| Genre | nonfiction (30), psychology (5) |
| Category | Personal Development (697) |
| Topics | grit (20), motivation (113), passion (22), perseverance (25), self-control (1) |
| Audiences | educators (295), parents (430), professionals (751), researchers (65), students (3111) |
Popularity Score
Dr Angela Duckworth is a psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author best known for popularizing the concept of grit—passion and perseverance for long-term goals. A professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Character Lab, she translates behavioral science into practical insights for schools, families, and workplaces. Her book Grit became an international bestseller and sparked global conversations about talent versus effort. For readers exploring the Angela Duckworth book list, her work offers evidence-based strategies to build resilience, self-control, and sustained motivation.
Interview Questions
What do you mean by “grit,” and why does it matter?
Grit is the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. In interviews, Duckworth explains that while talent matters, sustained effort over time is a stronger predictor of achievement in many domains—from school to sports to careers.
How is grit different from talent or IQ?
She notes that talent and IQ reflect how quickly you improve with effort, but grit reflects how long and how hard you work toward a goal. Her research shows that sticking with purposeful practice often outperforms pure aptitude over the long run.
Can grit be taught or developed?
Yes—Duckworth highlights practices like setting interests-aligned goals, deliberate practice, celebrating small wins, and building supportive routines and relationships. She emphasizes that environments—parents, teachers, and mentors—play a crucial role.
What are common misconceptions about grit in schools?
She cautions against using grit as a high-stakes metric or blaming students for systemic barriers. Grit should be nurtured, not graded; schools should pair high expectations with support and focus on fair, motivating learning environments.
How do you apply grit in your own work and life?
Duckworth describes setting clear long-term aims, breaking them into daily practices, and regularly reflecting on progress. She prioritizes meaningful goals, embraces feedback, and keeps routines that make perseverance more sustainable.