How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

Paul Tough is an author, journalist, and speaker, whose work focuses on the challenges and dynamics of education, child development, and poverty in America. He draws on his own educational journey, professional experiences, and personal explorations of the themes of adversity and resilience in How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, a book that delves into the noncognitive qualities that contribute to a child’s success in life.

Tough’s educational path followed a non-traditional trajectory. In the fall of 1985, he enrolled as a freshman at Columbia University, but, much like the subjects of his later writings, he faced challenges and decisions that led him to drop out of college not only once but twice. The decision to step away from the safety net of institutional learning to explore life’s broader lessons provided Tough with a firsthand perspective on the value of character traits like resilience and grit.

Tough is a journalist and author with a keen interest in education, poverty, and policy. Before his work on How Children Succeed, Tough was an editor at The New York Times Magazine and a contributor to public radio’s This American Life, showcasing his ability to engage with complex social issues in a manner that is both accessible and informative. His journalistic career has been marked by a commitment to uncovering the nuanced realities of America’s education system and the socioeconomic factors that influence a child’s ability to thrive.

In How Children Succeed, Tough’s professional background is complemented by his extensive research and engagement with educators, scientists, and students themselves. Tough immersed himself in the latest academic research on character development and visited schools across the country to see the challenges and triumphs of students and educators firsthand. This approach to understanding the intersections of education, poverty, and success allowed Tough to weave together personal narratives with scientific research to argue for rethinking how society supports its most vulnerable children.

How Children Succeed bridges the gap between the scientific community and the general public. By translating complex research findings into engaging stories and actionable insights, Tough shifts the conversation around education reform toward a more holistic understanding of what it takes for children to succeed. His work highlights the importance of noncognitive skills, such as perseverance, curiosity, and self-control, challenging the prevailing focus on standardized testing and academic achievement as the primary indicators of a child’s potential. Moreover, Tough’s personal reflections on his educational and professional journey allow him to connect with readers on a more intimate level. His openness about his own academic experiences serves as a testament to the book’s argument that learning how to cope with failure helps develop the character and grit needed for success.