In this chapter, they discuss the benefits of behaving like a sponge and being proactive in seeking out information, ideas, and countervailing opinions. They compare this behavior to sea sponges, which have the ability to absorb nutrients but also expel harmful particles through finely tuned filters. They emphasize the importance of not only seeking out information but also filtering and determining which information is relevant and who is credible to learn from.
We live in a world that worships talent, a world that cheers natural athletes, exalts child prodigies, and venerates virtuosos. But admiring people who are blessed with innate abilities can lead us to underestimate the range of skills that we can learn and how good we can become. As Adam Grant explains in his new book, “Hidden Potential,” growth is not about the genius you possess — it’s about the character you develop. Adam joins us today to talk about developing the character skills, motivational tools, and learning systems that can help ordinary people achieve extraordinary things.
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