2. The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence by Josh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin won his first National Chess Championship at the age of nine and gained world-wide attention when his father’s book (about Josh) Searching for Bobby Fisher was made into a major motion picture.
Waitzkin knows what it means to be a winner, after dominating the scholastic chess world for ten years he studied the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan and eventually won the title of World Champion.
After reaching the top in two seemingly different disciplines, Waitzkin came to a realization: “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.”
This book takes you step-by-step through an exhilarating journey of intense chess match-ups and physical-soul challenging martial art contests. Waitzkin explains in an insightful and mythological manner just how his principled approach to learning took him to the top of his chosen disciplines.
The work is packed with concepts that have the potential to transform lives:
- Beginner’s Mind
- Investment in Loss
- Incremental Learning
- Numbers to Leave Numbers
- Making Smaller Circles
- Using Adversity
- The Soft Zone
- Making Sandals
Josh Waitzkin is an extraordinary human being who has made this experience accessible (and entertaining) to those who desire to reach their yet unknown potentials—a must read.
“Waitzkin’s in-depth look into the mental side of his success in both chess and martial arts is an inspiring and absorbing read. I strongly recommend it for anyone who lives in a world of competition, whether it’s sports or business or anywhere else. It’s also a great training tool for kids aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their chosen fields.”
- Mark Messier, 6-time Stanley Cup Champion
Video: The Art of Learning