Character Versus Intelligence

The main issue at the core of Tough's book is the question of whether character development or intelligence is more important in indicating a student's future success. Although Tough attempts to maintain a balanced argument, it's clear that in his opinion and for disadvantaged students in particular, being taught the six positive character traits - grit, self-control, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity - is the key to success. Tough's opinion about character and intelligence is relatively new in the education reform community, so he chocks his book full of studies that prove the value of character development. Time and time again, Tough proves that while disadvantaged students, like Kewauna Lerma, may be lacking in academic intelligence, they make up for their shortcomings with positive character traits, like grit and optimism, that balance out success rates in college. Although Kewauna might not academically match other...