There's something about taking the path of least resistance that makes a lot of sense. But at the same time, we have to figure out which things in life are worth struggling through.
Angela DuckworthRead
As our knees and hips and eyesight deteriorate, we become more dependable, less impulsive, kinder, and less moody. Psychologists call this the maturity principle. My own life experience fits this principle to a T.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As we age, we typically become more dependable and kind, reflecting personal growth.
Angela Duckworth's quote highlights the concept that as people grow older and face physical decline, they often experience psychological growth marked by increased reliability, emotional stability, and kindness. This phenomenon, referred to as the 'maturity principle' by psychologists, underscores that life experiences can lead to a more commendable character, aligning with Duckworth's personal observations.
Themes
MaturityDependabilityKindnessAgingPsychology
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on personal growth, you might quote this to emphasize the positive changes that come with age.
More from Angela Duckworth
All quotes →There's this really awesome theory of human motivation - that human beings all want three things. One is to be competent, one is to belong, and one is be free, as in to have choice: to not be told what to do but to choose what to do.
Angela DuckworthRead
Negative feelings are typical of learning, and you shouldn't feel like you're stupid when you're frustrated doing something. You might say to yourself, 'I can't do this,' but you should say, 'That's great.' That means you really have the potential to learn something there.
Angela DuckworthRead
I don't think that every child in America is going to necessarily aspire to, you know, a four-year degree from a liberal arts college or a certain kind of life. I think that people should learn to be excellent in the thing that they choose to do.
Angela DuckworthRead
I think the questions on the grit scale about not letting setbacks disappoint you, finishing what you begin, doing things with focus, I think that those are things I would aspire to or hope for for all our children.
Angela DuckworthRead
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