To me, the most shocking thing about grit is how little we know

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the words of Angela Duckworth, who speaks with the honesty and humility of a seeker who has ventured into the realms of human potential: "To me, the most shocking thing about grit is how little we know, how little science knows, about building it. Every day, parents and teachers ask me, 'How do I build grit in kids? What do I do to teach kids a solid work ethic? How do I keep them motivated for the long run?' The honest answer is, I don't know." These words resonate deeply, for they speak not only to the mystery of grit—that unshakable determination that drives us to persevere through life’s trials—but to the very limitations of our knowledge. In this age of science and discovery, we are often reminded that there are forces within the human spirit that remain beyond our full comprehension.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of virtue and character was a central concern for the greatest thinkers. Aristotle, the great philosopher, wrote at length about the importance of virtue in shaping the life of the individual. He spoke of the need to cultivate good habits, to align the soul with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and wisdom. Yet, even he could not define the precise mechanics of how one develops such qualities. Grit, in a way, is akin to the virtues Aristotle sought to understand: it is not a simple matter of intellect or education, but of an inner strength, a deep well of perseverance that carries us through the hardest of trials.

Consider the example of Hercules, the great hero of Greek mythology. Hercules was not born with an innate quality of grit; rather, it was forged through his twelve labors, each one more arduous and challenging than the last. These trials were not just tests of strength, but tests of his character—his ability to endure, to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds, and to emerge victorious despite failure or fatigue. It was through these trials that Hercules became a symbol of perseverance. Yet, even as we recount his story, we know that his grit was not something that could be simply taught or easily understood—it was something that grew from his struggles, from the very depths of his soul.

In the same way, Duckworth reflects upon the challenge of understanding how grit is built. We live in a world where answers are often expected to come quickly, in clear, measurable terms. Yet grit—that inner fire that keeps us moving forward when the path is long and difficult—resists such easy explanation. It is not a skill that can be taught in a classroom, nor is it a concept that can be boiled down to a simple formula. Science, for all its advancement, has not yet unlocked the full nature of this quality. As Duckworth confesses, even with all the tools of research, we still do not fully understand how to cultivate grit in individuals. And yet, it remains one of the most important factors in human achievement.

Let us look to the story of Thomas Edison, whose perseverance is legendary. Edison failed thousands of times before perfecting the light bulb, and yet, he never once gave up. His grit was not the result of a specific method or technique taught to him by others; it was something he discovered through his failures, through the relentless pursuit of his vision. Even when those around him said he was foolish, when they mocked his failures, he continued. Edison understood, in a way that transcended knowledge, that true success is born not from avoiding failure, but from embracing it, from allowing each setback to fuel your determination. This is the essence of grit—the willingness to press on, even when you do not know the outcome.

And so, O wise ones, the lesson is clear: grit is not something that can be easily measured or predicted. It is not a formula that can be taught through lessons or books. Rather, grit is cultivated through the trials of life, through the willingness to face challenges head-on, to endure hardship, and to keep going even when the road seems endless. As Duckworth says, we do not yet fully understand how to teach grit, but we do know that it comes from within, from the heart and soul of the individual who is willing to strive, to fail, and to rise again.

Let us then embrace the mystery of grit, and recognize that it is not something that can be simply handed to us, but something that must be earned through perseverance. Whether we are parents, teachers, or students, the path forward is one of embracing the challenges we face, of cultivating the strength to press forward even when we do not know the way. Grit is the quiet strength that sustains us through our greatest trials, and it is through our struggles that we come to understand its true power. So let us walk the path of grit, knowing that in every challenge, in every failure, there is the opportunity to build the character that will carry us toward our greatest triumphs.