ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕦𝕞

The Art of Learning

Last update: 2025-03-04

Tags: literature-notes buddhism flow learning

The Art of Learning by Waitzkin (2007) is a book about mastering skills through a mindful and systematic approach. Waitzkin, a chess prodigy and martial arts champion, shares insights from his journey to explain how deep learning, resilience, and self-awareness lead to excellence.

Key Concepts

  1. Depth Over Breadth
    • Mastery comes from refining core fundamentals rather than accumulating surface-level knowledge.
    • Small, incremental improvements build long-term expertise.
  2. The Investment in Loss
    • Learning from failures is crucial for growth.
    • Losing and making mistakes provide opportunities for deeper understanding.
  3. Making Smaller Circles
    • Focus on the smallest details of a skill to develop efficiency and precision.
    • Mastering micro-movements allows for greater control and creativity.
  4. The Soft Zone
    • Mental resilience comes from staying calm under pressure.
    • By embracing distractions rather than fighting them, you improve focus and adaptability.
  5. Slowing Down Time
    • Experts perceive time differently because they have internalized patterns at a deep level.
    • Recognizing subtle cues allows for faster, more intuitive decision-making.
  6. The Internal vs. External Approach
    • True mastery is an internal process of understanding principles rather than rigidly following techniques.
    • Adapting to challenges with a flexible mindset leads to long-term success.

Waitzkin’s philosophy applies beyond chess and martial arts—it’s a universal framework for learning, problem-solving, and personal growth. His approach emphasizes deliberate practice, mental resilience, and deep focus, making the book a valuable guide for anyone pursuing excellence in any field.

Takeaways

  1. 10 min eating a light consistent snack.
  2. 15 min meditation.
  3. 10 min stretching
  4. 10 min listening to Bob Dylan
  5. Play ball. This final step playing ball with his son is what gives the person in question the serene focus. After fully internalizing the routine (after a month of practice), do the routine before an important meeting. The results were fantastic.

Once you know what good feels like, you can zero in on it, search it out regardless of the pursuit.

Miscellaneous Notes

2024-03-03: Circles

References

Denk, J. (2022). Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story in Music Lessons (First edition). Random House.
Suzuki, S. (2020). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition (Anniversary edition). Shambhala.
Tzu, L., & Needleman, J. (1989). Tao Te Ching: Text Only Edition (G.-F. Feng, J. English, & T. Lippe, Trans.; Reprint edition). Vintage.
Waitzkin, J. (2007). The art of learning: a journey in the pursuit of excellence. Free Press.