The Art of Learning

by Josh Waitzkin
The Art of Learning cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Self-Help and Personal Development
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4181
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780743277464
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2008-05-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Josh Waitzkin, a renowned chess and martial arts champion, distills his unique approach to learning and performance into a set of powerful principles. His insights are drawn from a lifetime of high-stakes competition and deep reflection, offering readers a roadmap to mastering any skill or discipline. Waitzkin's methods emphasize the importance of deliberate practice, resilience, and a growth mindset, providing tools that can be applied to both personal and professional pursuits. /n/n Beyond the realm of sports and games, Waitzkin's philosophy transcends traditional boundaries, making it relevant to anyone seeking to unlock their full potential. His book is not just about winning; it's about the journey of continuous improvement and the art of learning itself. Whether you're an athlete, artist, or professional, Waitzkin's wisdom offers a fresh perspective on how to approach challenges and achieve long-term success.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-21
good 3.00

The reviewer finds the book reasonably readable with interesting stories about the author's careers. However, they feel it falls short as an inspirational or how-to book.

This Goodreads review notes that 'The Art of Learning' is reasonably readable and includes interesting stories from the author's chess and martial arts careers. The reviewer appreciates the personal anecdotes but feels the book lacks depth as an inspirational or how-to guide. They suggest that while the book is enjoyable, it may not provide the practical advice some readers are looking for. Overall, they find it to be an interesting read but not a comprehensive guide to learning and performance.

Quick quotes

    It's reasonably readable and has a lot of interesting stories about the author's chess and martial arts careers.

    As an inspirational or how-to book, though, it ...

    The book is enjoyable but lacks the depth some readers might be looking for.

Amazon · 2025-10-21
great 4.00

The reviewer praises the book's lively and sentimental style, noting that it is well-written and heartfelt. They find the author's personal experiences and insights to be compelling.

This Amazon review highlights the lively and sentimental style of 'The Art of Learning'. The reviewer appreciates the author's heartfelt writing and the compelling personal experiences shared throughout the book. They note that the book is well-written, making it an enjoyable and insightful read. The reviewer finds the author's insights into learning and performance to be particularly valuable, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in self-improvement.

Quick quotes

    The book has a lively, sentimental style and Josh clearly writes from the heart.

    It's pretty well written, especially considering he must have done it in his ...

    The author's personal experiences and insights are compelling.

Stephen Malina · Stephen Malina · 2021-01-23
excellent 4.00

The reviewer was surprised by how much they enjoyed this book, finding it engaging and insightful. They appreciate the personal stories and the practical advice on learning and mastery.

In this review, Stephen Malina shares his unexpected enjoyment of 'The Art of Learning'. He highlights the book's engaging narrative and the valuable insights into the learning process. Malina particularly appreciates the personal anecdotes from the author's chess and martial arts careers, which add depth and authenticity to the advice. He finds the book to be a refreshing and practical guide for anyone looking to improve their learning strategies.

Quick quotes

    I'm sort of surprised how much I liked this book.

    The book is filled with practical advice and personal stories that make the learning process relatable.

    It's a refreshing take on how to approach learning and mastery.

Cory Ames · Cory Ames · 2018-08-29
inspiring 4.50

This book is considered one of the best on learning processes and performance psychology, offering practical advice and inspiring stories. It is praised for its ability to engage readers with its narrative style and valuable insights.

Cory Ames considers 'The Art of Learning' one of the best books on the learning process and performance psychology. He appreciates the practical advice and inspiring stories that Waitzkin shares, making the book both informative and engaging. Ames highlights how Waitzkin's experiences in chess and Tai Chi Push Hands provide a unique perspective on achieving excellence. The book's narrative style is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged while offering valuable insights into the learning process.

Quick quotes

    To date, this is the best book I've read on the learning process and performance psychology.

    Waitzkin's experiences provide a unique perspective on achieving excellence.

    The book's narrative style is engaging and informative.

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