Emotional Success

“[A] provocative argument . . . that the science of success is . . . the science of social emotions like gratitude and compassion. I, for one, am convinced!”—Angela Duckworth, New York Times–bestselling author of Grit

Grit, the ability to persevere against all odds, is widely recognized as the key to success. But how can grit be cultivated and sustained? In this myth-shattering book, David DeSteno reveals that the most powerful tools we can draw upon to achieve our toughest goals are not willpower or self-denial, but our prosocial emotions—gratitude, compassion, and pride. In fact, this undervalued toolkit evolved specifically to help us resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term gains. DeSteno breaks down the long-overlooked mechanisms of perseverance built into our brains and shows how we can work with our emotions, instead of denying them, to achieve our goals. And he shows how we can do it with greater ease and deeper satisfaction than we would have thought possible.

“As inspiring as it is practical.” —Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive and The Sleep Revolution

“Revolutionary.” —Chade-Meng Tan, author of Joy on Demand and Search Inside Yourself

“Anyone who hopes to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life should read this book.” —Peter Salovey, professor of psychology and president, Yale University, and discoverer of emotional intelligence

“A beautifully written and very important book.” —Paul Bloom, professor of Psychology at Yale University and author of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion

“If you think the key to self-control is overriding your emotions, think again. Moral emotions can strengthen your willpower—and this fascinating book uses the latest social science to explain how.” —Adam Grant, author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B with Sheryl Sandberg