Just because some people can do something with little or no training, it doesn't mean that others can't do it (and sometimes do it even better) with training.
Carol S. DweckRead
One very common thing is that often very brilliant children stop working because they're praised so often that it's what they want to live as - brilliant - not as someone who ever makes mistakes. It really stunts their motivation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive praise can hinder children's motivation to learn from their mistakes.
In this quote, Carol S. Dweck highlights the danger of over-praising children for their brilliance, suggesting that it can lead them to prioritize their image as 'brilliant' over the value of learning and growing from challenges. This focus on perfection can inhibit their willingness to take risks or put forth effort, ultimately stunting their personal and academic development.
Themes
PraiseMotivationMistakesLearningDevelopmentChildren
In practice
Example use cases
In a talk about parenting techniques, one could mention Dweck's insights to encourage a focus on growth rather than perfection.
More from Carol S. Dweck
All quotes βSome students start thinking of their intelligence as something fixed, as carved in stone. They worry about, 'Do I have enough? Don't I have enough?'
Carol S. DweckRead
In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you're not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn't need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.
Carol S. DweckRead
Our message to parents is to focus on the process the child engages in, such as trying hard or focusing on the task - what specific things they're doing rather than, 'You're so smart. You're so good at this.' Although it's never too late to change, what you do early matters.
Carol S. DweckRead
Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.
Carol S. DweckRead
I loved everything. I loved sciences and I loved humanities. But ultimately, I felt that in the humanities, you know, you're writing about things that already exist. But in the sciences, you're discovering things that no one has known before. Ultimately I chose psychology because it seemed to combine science with things that I liked to think about.
Carol S. DweckRead
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