Character Quote by Paul Tough
““What matters, instead, is whether we are able to help her develop a very different set of qualities, a list that includes persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit, and self-confidence. Economists refer to these as noncognitive skills, psychologists call them personality traits, and the rest of us sometimes think of them as character.””
About This Quote
Source Book: How Children Succeed, Paul Tough, 2012
Developing noncognitive skills like persistence and curiosity shapes success beyond academic ability.
In simple terms: Building character traits matters for success.
Key Takeaway
Focus on nurturing grit and self‑control.
Themes
education
personal development
psychology
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- workplace training
- mentoring programs
Key Concepts
noncognitive skills
personality traits
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools better assess and foster these traits?
- What daily habits build self‑confidence?
A Different Perspective
These traits are harder to measure and may be undervalued in traditional assessments.
