Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-10-17
Books mentioned on Why Grit Isn’t Enough | Angela Duckworth
You’d expect the psychologist behind the bestselling book Grit to tell you to try harder, but Angela Duckworth knows why that isn’t always the answer.
Ryan Holiday recommended Situated by Angela Duckworth and The Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg, and discussed Grit by Angela Duckworth, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Great Influenza by John M. Barry, and The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand and others.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
Grit
Grit by Angela Duckworth is an insightful exploration of how passion and perseverance drive long-term success.
Discussed“If you read grit, great. It's a great book. I think this new book is just as important.”
Where to get it
-
Situated
Angela Duckworth's book Situated, subtitled Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, explores how our immediate environments and social circles shape our success and well-being.
Recommended“It's called Situated. The subtitle is Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best.”
Where to get it
-
The Power of Now
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual guide designed to help readers live in the present moment and transcend compulsive thinking.
Discussed“He was telling me about The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which I was like, I started that book.”
Where to get it
-
The Great Good Place
Ray Oldenburg's sociological classic The Great Good Place explores the crucial societal need for communal environments outside of the home and the workplace.
Recommended“So I read this book called The Great Good Place. Did you read this? You didn't read The Great Good Place?”
Where to get it
-
The Great Influenza
The Great Influenza by John M.
Discussed“whose name I'm also forgetting, wrote an incredible book about this specific founder who we don't.”
Where to get it
-
The Virtue of Selfishness
The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand and C.
Discussed“Yeah, Ayn Rand wrote this book called The Virtue of Selfishness.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“You can pick up signed copies of Angela's new book, Situated. Find the people and places that bring out your best, as well as signed copies of Grit here at the Painted Porch.”
“as well as signed copies of Grit here at the Painted Porch.”