25 Discussion Questions for Grit by Angela Duckworth (With Analysis) | Chapterly Blog
Angela Duckworth's Grit argues that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a combination of passion and perseverance she calls "grit." Grit discussion questions push you to examine whether this thesis holds up under scrutiny, where the research is strong, where the argument overreaches, and what it means for how we educate, parent, and evaluate ourselves and others. Whether you are in an education-focused book club, a leadership development group, or a parenting discussion circle, these questions are designed to provoke genuine debate. Published in 2016, the book draws on Duckworth's research as a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, her experience studying West Point cadets, spelling bee champions, and successful professionals across many fields. Her central claim — that effort counts twice, because effort builds skill and skill applied with effort produces achievement — has been both widely celebrated and seriously criticized. These 25 questions are organized by theme. Grit Discussion Questions: Talent vs. Effort Duckworth's talent-effort equation is the mathematical core of her argument and the most debated claim in the book. These discussion questions examine whether the formula holds up across different domains and whether the emphasis on effort inadvertently minimizes structural advantages like wealth,...