Grit Trumps Talent

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2013/09/30/grit/

by michaelpinto • 13 years ago

2 5 13 years ago

lutusp3• 13 years ago

This new psychology fad, "grit", is getting a lot of press, and it should -- it's likely to have some substance behind it.

The old fad, called "Asperger Syndrome", isn't getting much press any more, especially after it was way overdiagnosed and fell into disrepute -- and out of the new DSM.

Guess what, boys and girls? Grit, and Asperger Syndrome, describe the same symptoms and behavior -- a dedicated focus on a few, or only one, interest, and an indifference to personal relationships when compared to a personal objective.

All that has changed is that psychologists think "grit" is a good thing, where they believed Asperger Syndrome was a bad thing, a mental illness.

Conclulsions? Psychologists know which side of the bread the butter is on. And psychology is not a science.

michaelpinto• 13 years ago

The notion that "if at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again" is hardly a new psychology fad: In fact it's a very old school approach. Also that's different than Asperger Syndrome because repeat behavior and other symptoms aren't exactly the same thing as grit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grit_(personality_trait)

lutusp3• 13 years ago

Also that's different than Asperger Syndrome because repeat behavior and other symptoms aren't exactly the same thing as grit ...

True, but since both categories are defined only by symptoms, not causes, one can hardly call it knowledge -- it's anecdote masquerading as knowledge. It certainly lacks the substance required to either start a movement (grit), or diagnose tens of thousands of youngsters as mentally ill (Asperger's).

manicdee• 13 years ago

Grit is when you choose to persevere. Asperger's is when you have to choose to stop.

While it was in DSM, there was far more to diagnosing Asperger's than simply, "refuses to quit."

lutusp3• 13 years ago

Grit is when you choose to persevere. Asperger's is when you have to choose to stop.

That's not based on research or even written anywhere, you just made it up. On that basis, you have a bright future in clinical psychology.

The difference between grit and Asperger's is truly in the eyes of the beholder, and what his motives are.

While it was in DSM, there was far more to diagnosing Asperger's than simply, "refuses to quit."

The fact that it's been removed from the DSM (an honor shared by only one other condition -- homosexuality) proves there is far less, not far more, to distinguish it from other behavioral descriptions. In fact, that was the reason quoted by those who voted for its removal -- it was too vague to be useful.

Grit Trumps Talent

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