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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. Dweck
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Effort is essential for success; it defines and cultivates talent rather than reflects a lack of it.

Carol S. Dweck highlights two contrasting mindsets regarding effort and talent. In one mindset, effort is viewed negatively, suggesting that inherent talent should suffice for success, thus negating the value of hard work. Conversely, in the second mindset, effort is celebrated as a crucial element in achieving success, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can shape intelligence and skill.

Themes

EffortTalentSuccessMindsetIntelligence

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational seminar on personal development.

More from Carol S. Dweck

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
Some 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
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
Business leaders who openly acknowledge people's concerns about becoming obsolete and who invest resources in workers' growth can help create a nation of learners - and perhaps resolve some of the political chaos that's bubbling around us.
Carol S. DweckRead

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