Episode · EconTalk · 2026-10-26
Russ Roberts & Angela Duckworth: books mentioned on EconTalk (Oct 2026)
How Your Situation Shapes You (with Angela Duckworth)
Sure, you can use willpower or grit to break bad habits and build new ones. But maybe the key to success is simpler: change your situation.
Russ Roberts discussed Situated by Angela Duckworth. Angela Duckworth discussed Grit by Angela Duckworth.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Situated
Situated by Angela Duckworth is an insightful exploration of how immediate environments, surrounding people, and physical places profoundly shape personal behavior and long-term success.
Discussed“Her latest book is Situated, Find the People and Places that Bring Out Your Best, which is our topic for today.”
Where to get it
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Grit
Grit by Angela Duckworth is a popular exploration of passion, perseverance, and the long-term pursuit of difficult goals.
Discussed“And that, of course, this led me to study grit. I say, of course, maybe not of course, but for me, the distinction between the quality and quantity of time on task”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Passing Anna Karenina
“They just sit there. They don't— They just sit there. No notifications. No saying like, hey, have you read Anna Karenina Chapter 2 today?”