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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the balance between choosing easier paths and recognizing the value of overcoming challenges.
Angela Duckworth highlights a common dilemma in life: while it's tempting to take the easiest route available, true growth often comes from confronting challenges. The essence of her message lies in discerning which struggles are meaningful and worth the effort, suggesting that some resistance is not only beneficial but necessary for personal development.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of overcoming obstacles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best thing about lying in bed late is that you learn to distinguish between first things and trivia, for whatever presses on you has to prove its importance before it makes you move.
Son of Heav'n and Earth, Attend: that thou art happy, owe to God; That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, That is, to thy obedience; therein stand.
The highest purpose of intellectual cultivation is to give a man a perfect knowledge and mastery of his own inner self.
Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises.
Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.
Acts that proceed from your calm center are always more effective than acts that proceed from fear, guilt, or anger.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.