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  • The Art of Learning

  • An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
  • By: Josh Waitzkin
  • Narrated by: Josh Waitzkin
  • Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (468 ratings)

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The Art of Learning

By: Josh Waitzkin
Narrated by: Josh Waitzkin
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Publisher's Summary

Josh Waitzkin knows what it means to be at the top of his game. A public figure since winning his first National Chess Championship at the age of nine, Waitzkin was catapulted into a media whirlwind as a teenager when his father's book Searching for Bobby Fischer was made into a major motion picture. After dominating the scholastic chess world for ten years, Waitzkin expanded his horizons, taking on the martial art Tai Chi Chuan and ultimately earning the title of World Champion. How was he able to reach the pinnacle of two disciplines that on the surface seem so different? "I've come to realize that what I am best at is not Tai Chi, and it is not chess," he says. "What I am best at is the art of learning."

The Art of Learning takes listeners through Waitzkin's unique journey to excellence. He explains in clear detail how a well-thought-out, principled approach to learning is what separates success from failure. Waitzkin believes that achievement, even at the championship level, is a function of a lifestyle that fuels a creative, resilient growth process. Rather than focusing on climactic wins, Waitzkin reveals the inner workings of his everyday method, from systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs, to honing techniques into states of remarkable potency, to mastering the art of performance psychology.

In stories ranging from his early years taking on chess hustlers as a seven year old in New York City's Washington Square Park, to dealing with the pressures of having a film made about his life, to International Chess Championships in India, Hungary, and Brazil, to gripping battles against powerhouse fighters in Taiwan in the Push Hands World Championships, The Art of Learning encapsulates an extraordinary competitor's life lessons in a pause-resisting narrative.

©2007 Josh Waitzkin LLC (P)2014 Tim Ferriss

What listeners say about The Art of Learning

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Better than I expected!

The book is completely different to what I was expecting.The way he shares his lessons and approach to learning was far more powerful than what I thought was a book on 'How to learn faster'. Instead I received an entire life and mental framework on how to approach learning. So much more powerful.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent. Complex views simplified

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to be a better version of themselves. It simplifies masterful techniques to achieve more in life and is genuine.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good and deep book

Amazing description of a broken down thinking path, a different way of seeing, dealing and resolving our daily inevitable life challenges.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Legend to Learn from

Josh's real life experiences and passion for learning are an incredible insight into great minds

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Learn from the master of learning

Josh has had an extraordinary life, and he breaks down the lessons he learnt about learning through an entertaining and inspiring story. Anyone who wants to master any form of art or any skill for that matter will definitely benefit from this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Max
  • 18-01-2017

Inspiring

Josh Waitzkin's story is a riveting and inspiring one. One that's made me realise the beauty of focusing on one skill at a time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An inside look into an incredible mind

It is an amazing thing to be able to look inside the mind of an incredible chess master and martial artist. Honest and gripping. Would buy again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational wisdom.

Perfect Narration. I wish I read this book when i was alot younger but no doubt there is something to learn for everyone.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So Much to Offer

It is always inspiring to hear of the lived experience of someone who has excelled. Josh's success is undoubtedly due to his fine attention. This book came as a recommendation from Tim Ferriss and it has not disappointed. I will be buying the book and taking copious notes and making annotations. There is so much of value here. This will undoubtedly become a well used resource for inspiration and a manual for life.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Priceless information with subtle egoism

The lessons and wisdom shared in this book is valuable and worthwhile. I found it engaging and educational throughout and it points a way toward one's own mastery of learning. However throughout the book I felt there was something slightly off with the author's perspective. Luckily the interview at the end of the book highlighted it: The author while talking of egolessness and objectivity is in fact a little bit of a narcissist and a little bit sexist.
Take what you can use and throw the rest in the garbage.

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