Character vs Intellect


Martin Seligman and Paul Tough have written about how “success” is often as much a product of optimism, grit, curiosity, conscientiousness etc as it is of cognitive ability.  Measures of self-control can be better predictors of grades than IQ.
A short list includes zest, grit, self-control, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism and curiosity (Duckworth).
Some schools have a “Character education” programme, but these tend to be more moral values than personal qualities.  But danger of moral values eg respect being too vague for children, or at least not being seen as relevant to future success.  And does it help to measure these values or does that encourage gaming?
Character strengths can also become disadvantages, eg someone with grit may have little empathy for others, being too kind may attract exploitation.
But highlighting these qualities encourages discussions where children can reflect on their own values and skills.  And counters the trend for high achieving children to be overindulged and protected by their parents.

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