The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

Snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper

Interesting, some good (and not so good) concepts/ideas and certainly not life changing. The former US Junior Chess Champion (now an adult with an International Master - NOT grandmaster title) speaks and writes a book on some of his ideas of thinking concepts (this is NOT a chess book or book on martial arts) that he feels will come in useful in your life. Joshua Waitzkin, who comes from a Jewish background, not not profess any religion. A modest book, not as good as his "Attacking Chess" book.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Searching for Josh Waitzkin

I enjoyed the book. His messages on managing one's emotions during chess and martial arts matches, and in everyday situtions were creative and insightful. The only problem that I had with the book, was that it left me wondering if Josh has rejected Christianity for an Eastern religion. He does not clearly define his faith or give God any credit for his innate abilities like most USA athletes do. If he did, I missed it. Perhaps he did this intentionly, so that his readers would find his book unique. However, it left me wanted to know what religion Josh Waitzkin practices?? And, if he has rejected Western religion, I would have liked to have read more about this major change in his life.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Duplicate chapters bug.

Great content for this book, but an odd problem with duplicate chapters. After Chapters 1-3 the chapters repeat themselves again. After Chapter 3 it seems to be ok.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A remarkable guide to mastery

I was touched, moved and inspired by Josh's unyielding commitment to mastering anything in his path and his generosity in giving his readers the keys to what it takes to mastery in general. Reading this very lucid and well thought out account of a truly masterful life was a rare treat.

His profound insights into the structure of his mind allowed me to reflect on my own mental shortcomings when I was a world class athlete.
Had I been able to read this book when I was at my best (and worst)I know I would have reached levels of performance and inner peace that seemed impossible at that time.

Josh, thank you for giving your Self to us.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Learning theory told through master level experience in chess and tai chi

Author Josh Waitzkin has mastered two complex, esoteric disciplines: chess and tai chi, a martial art. He won national chess titles as a youth, and national and world championships in "push hands," or partner tai chi. In this book he presents his theories about learning and high level performance, using as a case study his own rise to excellence in highly competitive sports. Even without the theoretical speculation his story is engaging - but his theories make the book useful to anyone trying to learn a new skill. getAbstract recommends it to those who wish to raise their level of performance, find out about mind-body connections or enjoy a good story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Hidden jewel of a book!

As a voracious reader, one of the pleasures of life is to find a book that most are not aware of. Josh's insight to performance in any discipline is practical wisdom for any person of growth. Thank you Josh for sharing the wealth of your learning!

Josh is just one of those insightful people

Josh is just one of those high achievers.....but he is not qualified to teach anyone about the art of learning. He is a very insightful young man but making this a book about learning is ridiculous.
He comes from a very involved, intellectual family who helped him realize his dreams, but Josh was born with those things anyway. He is just one of the lucky young adults who uses his talents wisely and learns from his mistakes. He is very special in that way, and unfortunately, that can't be taught....only suggested! Save your money. You won't learn anything about the ART of Learning.....But what a good way to try and sell a book!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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