Just because some people can do something with little or no training, it doesn't mean that others can't do it (and sometimes do it even better) with training.
Carol S. DweckRead
When we praise children for their intelligence, we tell them that this is the name of the game: Look smart; don't risk making mistakes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Praising intelligence may discourage children from taking risks and making mistakes.
Carol S. Dweck's quote emphasizes that when we label children as intelligent, we inadvertently send a message that they should prioritize looking smart over embracing challenges. This mindset promotes a fear of failure, as children may become apprehensive about making mistakes, ultimately hindering their willingness to learn and grow.
Themes
PraiseIntelligenceMistakesLearningGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote in a workshop about effective teaching strategies.
More from Carol S. Dweck
All quotes βSome students start thinking of their intelligence as something fixed, as carved in stone. They worry about, 'Do I have enough? Don't I have enough?'
Carol S. DweckRead
In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you're not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn't need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.
Carol S. DweckRead
Our message to parents is to focus on the process the child engages in, such as trying hard or focusing on the task - what specific things they're doing rather than, 'You're so smart. You're so good at this.' Although it's never too late to change, what you do early matters.
Carol S. DweckRead
Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.
Carol S. DweckRead
I loved everything. I loved sciences and I loved humanities. But ultimately, I felt that in the humanities, you know, you're writing about things that already exist. But in the sciences, you're discovering things that no one has known before. Ultimately I chose psychology because it seemed to combine science with things that I liked to think about.
Carol S. DweckRead
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