Ever since ancient times, scholars and philosophers have posited that character—and not just smarts—is what makes people succeed. Now, cutting edge research is proving the ancients right. In his latest book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, Paul Tough takes his readers on a tour of this research, and into the lives of educators and others who are experimenting with new ways of inculcating these attributes in our youngsters.

Paul joins us today at the Ed Next Book Club to talk about his book, the impact he hopes it will have on the education reform debate, and what it means for the broader war on poverty.

Additional installments of our Ed Next Book Club podcast can be heard here, including Mike Petrilli’s interview with Paul Tough about his earlier book, Whatever It Takes.