This book is the result of almost half a century of research by psychologist Walter Mischel, author of the famous marshmallow test. The one in which the children were offered to give up one piece of marmalade (marshmallows, marshmallows — it doesn’t matter, there were actually many options) in order to get two later. And who, over time, proved that the ability to put off pleasure for later is one of the main factors for achieving success in life: a successful career, harmonious family relationships, and a high sense of one’s own well-being. But «The Development of Willpower» is not a manual on how to cultivate this valuable quality in yourself. And not a scientific study of the benefits of delayed gratification. It is partly also the autobiography of a truly outstanding scientist, and his reflections on the nature of our desires and the ability to follow (or resist them), and his views on parenting — sometimes very vivid examples of his own parenting experience. In a word, even the most strong-willed people who do not need to develop anything in themselves will surely enjoy reading this book. Well, for everyone else it will be not only pleasant, but also useful.
Mann, Ivanov & Ferber, 336 pp., 2015