The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
£4.49
Easy read but not that enlightening - Josh Waitzkin s The Art of Learning is an easy book to read. Waitzkin writes with a fluent style and fills his pages with anecdotes. What the book lacks however is true insight into the learning process. There are no real concrete actions a reader can take to become a better learner, it all just remains fuzzy and vague and never truly coalesces into a coherent vision.
A fun read, but probably not a life changer. - I should start off by saying that I quite liked this book, but that it s probably not one I d return to again and again.Firstly, the good: the book is very well written, Waitzkin comes across as a likable character, and quite humble for someone who has so obviously been a high achiever in his chosen field. He does offer some good insights, in terms of being aware of the individual s underlying nature when learning and not trying to force onself down a path that contradicts that. Plus, the stories used to illustrate his points are largely engaging.Where I think the book was disappointing, for me at least, was that a great deal of the observations about what makes a top performer (learning from mistakes, concentrating on gaining a deep understanding etc.) are, if not self-evident, then at least variations on things that have been written about elsewhere.nevertheless, definitely worth a look.
A great book.! - This book is truly inspirational. It is one of the most informative, interesting and exciting books that I have read! The Art of Learning looks at the human condition with a great deal of insight and understanding.Josh Waitzkin s understanding of the learning process is extremely pertinent and useful. Waitzkin s knowledge of Chess and Tai Chi at the highest levels gives him a truly insightful awareness of the human condition in competition and under other forms of stress.Situations that have heightened his perceptions of time and place, aware of these changed and altered states he has turned these issues to his advantage. Throughout his career he has overcome the greatest difficulties and setbacks to achieve his goals.The over riding sensation in reading this book is Waitzkin s ability to progress and improve! In reading his accounts of his almost transcendental like states one becomes physically and mentally stronger, one becomes aware of ones potential and worth! His Touch Hands World Finals in Taiwan, 2004, was a buzz to read.I will be using his techniques too enhance the quality of my life and I will certainly recommend The Art of Learning to my friends.I wish him every success in the future. Ben Quinn.