The Art of Learning

by Josh Waitzkin
The Art of Learning cover
Good Books rating 3.67
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: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780743277464
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2008-05-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Art of Learning,' Josh Waitzkin, a world-class chess player and martial arts champion, distills his unique approach to learning and performance. He shares the principles that have guided him to the top of two seemingly unrelated disciplines, providing readers with a framework for achieving mastery in any field. Waitzkin's insights are not just about winning; they are about the journey of learning, the importance of resilience, and the power of deep focus. His methods are practical and applicable to anyone looking to improve their skills and reach their full potential. /n/n The book is a blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice, making it both inspiring and instructive. Waitzkin's experiences in chess and martial arts serve as a backdrop to his broader philosophy on learning. He emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, learning from failures, and cultivating a growth mindset. Whether you're an athlete, artist, or professional, 'The Art of Learning' offers valuable lessons on how to approach the learning process with intention and passion.

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.

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