How did the great men and women who changed the world actually do it?  Were they simply smarter and more talented than the rest of us?  What was their secret? The accomplishments of the great are widely known, but their many battles with adversity, frequent setbacks and defeats, and the personal and professional hardships they endured along the way and ultimately drew strength from the dark underside of achievement that is seldom illuminated. This book examines ten historic figures--from the world of sports and popular culture to literature, business, science, statecraft, and social outreach--and highlights how they left their legendary mark on the world. Their recipes for success were many and varied, but all had one key ingredient in common: that life-changing mix of passion and perseverance popularly known as grit.