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

In How Children Succeed, Tough explores the factors that contribute to an individual’s success, shifting the focus from traditional academic achievement to the critical role of noncognitive skills. Tough posits that traits such as grit, resilience, and self-control are pivotal in overcoming adversity and achieving long-term goals, challenging the conventional wisdom that prioritizes cognitive abilities as the primary indicators of success.

Through a blend of real-world examples and scientific research, Tough illuminates the importance of these often-overlooked skills in fostering personal and academic achievement.

The book introduces the concept of noncognitive skills as foundational to success by delving into the stories of students and educators who champion character development alongside academic pursuit. At KIPP Academy, the transformation of students underscores the significance of perseverance and optimism, traits that extend beyond the classroom to influence future success. Similarly, Elizabeth Dozier’s work at Fenger High School, which focuses on interventions targeting emotional resilience, showcases the profound impact of nurturing these skills on students’ lives. Angela Duckworth’s research further substantiates the argument, demonstrating that grit—a combination of perseverance and passion—is a more accurate predictor of success than traditional intelligence metrics. Together, these narratives underscore the indispensable nature of noncognitive skills,