Emphasizing effort gives a child a variable that they can control. They come to see themselves as in control of their success. Emphasizing natural intelligence takes it out of the child's control, and it provides no good recipe for responding to a failure.

The quote by Carol S. Dweck, "Emphasizing effort gives a child a variable that they can control. They come to see themselves as in control of their success. Emphasizing natural intelligence takes it out of the child's control, and it provides no good recipe for responding to a failure," reflects Dweck's research on mindset and the powerful role that effort plays in shaping a child's beliefs about their abilities. Dweck contrasts two approaches to achievement: one that focuses on effort and one that emphasizes innate intelligence. She suggests that when children understand that effort leads to success, they feel empowered and more resilient in the face of challenges.

The origin of this quote comes from Dweck’s groundbreaking work in psychology, particularly her concept of the growth mindset. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck explains that children who are taught to value effort and perseverance rather than relying solely on natural intelligence develop a growth mindset. This mindset encourages them to believe that they can improve through hard work and learning from their mistakes, leading to a more positive and persistent approach to life’s challenges.

Dweck argues that when children are praised for their intelligence, they may come to believe that success is due to fixed traits rather than effort. This belief can make them more susceptible to failure because they see challenges as a threat to their intelligence. Without a clear understanding of how to respond to failure, they may give up or avoid difficult situations. On the other hand, when children are praised for their effort, they learn that setbacks are simply part of the process of improvement and that their success is within their control.

Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset in children by focusing on effort as a key to success. Dweck's research suggests that when children understand that they can influence their outcomes through hard work and perseverance, they are more likely to embrace challenges, learn from their failures, and continue growing. The quote encourages parents, teachers, and mentors to value effort over innate ability to build a more resilient and motivated generation.