Are Grit and Optimism Merely a Luxury Good?

Stephanie Coontz: Is optimism really that useful if the deck is stacked against you? She asks whether grit is merely a luxury good. "Grit" can only be used in situations where there are lots of opportunities to make a better lot for yourself," she says. 'If you've got all the more foundational needs, the physiological and safety and belonging ness needs'