The Art of Learning

The Art of Learning is a book written by American chess prodigy and martial arts champion, Josh Waitzkin. It is a candid, first-person account of his unique journey from childhood chess stardom to learning and mastering the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan. The book is a gripping, thought-provoking account of the power of learning and adaptation as well as of the realization of one’s own potential.

The Art of Learning is divided into two parts, each containing several chapters. In part one, Waitzkin recounts his journey to become a grandmaster in the sport of chess. He tells how he used his innate talent coupled with relentless and creative practice to rise to the top of the chess world. Along the way, he shares his observations on the way chess is commonly taught and played, and how he innovated his own approach to mastering the game.

In part two of the book, Waitzkin ventures into the martial arts arena and shares his experience learning and mastering the Kung fu style of Tai Chi Chuan. Waitzkin superbly relates the challenges of learning the martial art form, and incorporates lessons learned from his chess experience to successfully navigate the complex Tai Chi principles. Furthermore, Waitzkin shares his insights into the complexity of learning and the power of lifelong learning.

In the Art of Learning, Waitzkin illuminates the idea of the learning process as a science. He explains the principles of deep learning and how to use the elements of adaptation, endurance, and patience to maximize the learning process. As he puts it “The learner must cultivate ultimate patience with himself and with the subject he is mastering. He must recognize that a longterm view is essential, and that small incremental gains, when looked at over a long period of time, add up to tremendous results.”

From his own experience, Waitzkin explains the importance of not only learning to learn, but also learning to train, learning to think, and learning to see. He teaches that the learner should create an ideal environment in which to learn, by zoning in and focusing on one task at a time. His attitude that learning and growth need not be rigidly structure, but that it can also be fun and inspiring, is also given ample attention

The Art of Learning is not only of value to chess players and martial arts students. Everyone, from students to professionals can benefit from Waitzkin's insights. The book serves as a reminder of the power of learning in fundamentally changing our lives. By having faith in our potential and persevering, we can hope to realize our ultimate goals, whatever they may be.