Intelligence Is Not Everything in Life
Autor: Mikki • April 21, 2018 • 1,118 Words (5 Pages) • 598 Views
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In relation to attitude, a new study at Stanford University in California determined that “your attitude is a better predictor of your success than your IQ” (Bradberry, Forbes Magazine). The research explained that many either have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, see effort as useless, and ignore valuable criticism. In contract with this attitude, those with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, persist when faced with setbacks, see effort as a pathway and embrace criticism. People with a growth mindset “outperform those with a fixed mindset, even when they have a lower IQ, because they embrace challenges, treating them as opportunities to learn something new” (Bradberry). This relates significantly to Charlie’s before-surgery and after-surgery attitudes. Before the surgery, Charlie had a growth mindset. He was willing to try new things, see the good in the worst situations, and was optimistic. As his intelligence grew after the surgery, Charlie began to have more of a fixed mindset. He began to dislike criticism, avoided certain situations and gave up much easier than before-surgery Charlie did.
Throughout Keyes’ novel, Charlie learns that there is much more to life than intelligence, such as how life depends greatly on friendship, affection and attitude. The research article describes how Charlie’s attitude changes from a growth mindset to a fixed mindset before and after the surgery. In conclusion, Keyes portrayes a key life lesson in his novel – intelligence is not everything in life.
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WORKS CITED
Bradberry, Travis. "Why Attitude Is More Important Than IQ." forbes.com. 19 Jan. 2016. Forbes Magazine. Online. 19 Jan 2016.
Keyes, Daniel. Flowers for Algernon. 1st ed. New York, New York. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1966. Print.
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