GET THE AUTOPSY ➔

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance · chapter 2

Distracted by Talent

So what

The central premise of this chapter – that grit is distinct from and more important than talent – has been substantially undermined by meta-analytic evidence showing grit is basically conscientiousness with better marketing.

Verdict

SignificantBS

Claims checked in this chapter (9)

contested⚠ re-audit pending
Grit predicts success better than talent or IQ, as demonstrated across multiple domains including West Point, spelling bees, and sales.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Our culture has a 'naturalness bias' that makes us undervalue effort and overvalue innate talent.
holds⚠ re-audit pending
Nietzsche argued against the concept of innate genius, writing in Human, All Too Human that people who achieve great things acquire greatness through the 'seriousness of the efficient workman' rather than inborn talent.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Catharine Cox's 1926 study of 301 eminent historical figures found that while IQ was positively correlated with eminence, persistence and drive were equally important predictors of achievement.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Darwin described himself as having only 'moderate abilities,' attributing his scientific success to patience, industry in observing, and love of science rather than innate brilliance.
holds⚠ re-audit pending
Chia-Jung Tsay's research showed that even expert musicians who claim to value effort actually exhibit a bias toward 'natural' performers over 'strivers' with equivalent achievements.
holds⚠ re-audit pending
People consistently rate 'naturals' as more talented and hireable than 'strivers' even when told both individuals achieved identical outcomes, a phenomenon Duckworth calls the 'naturalness bias.'
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Surveys show that Americans say they admire effort more than talent, but when presented with equivalent achievers, they consistently prefer and reward the 'natural' over the hard worker.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
The Gallup organization's talent assessment framework, StrengthsFinder, reflects and reinforces the cultural bias toward innate talent by focusing on identifying fixed strengths rather than developable skills.