

#541
Mentioned in 53 episodes
The art of learning
An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
Book • 2007
The Art of Learning takes readers through Josh Waitzkin’s unique journey to excellence in both chess and Tai Chi Chuan.
The book explains how a well-thought-out, principled approach to learning separates success from failure.
Waitzkin discusses how achievement is a function of a lifestyle that fuels a creative, resilient growth process.
He shares his methods for systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs, honing techniques, and mastering performance psychology.
The book also emphasizes the importance of embracing defeat, making mistakes work for you, and turning weaknesses into strengths.
It is divided into sections that cover his rise in chess, his transition to Tai Chi, and the similarities in preparation and execution between the two disciplines.
The book explains how a well-thought-out, principled approach to learning separates success from failure.
Waitzkin discusses how achievement is a function of a lifestyle that fuels a creative, resilient growth process.
He shares his methods for systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs, honing techniques, and mastering performance psychology.
The book also emphasizes the importance of embracing defeat, making mistakes work for you, and turning weaknesses into strengths.
It is divided into sections that cover his rise in chess, his transition to Tai Chi, and the similarities in preparation and execution between the two disciplines.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 53 episodes
Mentioned by 

as the author of the book.


Andrew Huberman

7,421 snips
The Art of Learning & Living Life | Josh Waitzkin
Mentioned by 

as a role model and author of "The Art of Learning."


Derek Sivers

4,561 snips
#668: Derek Sivers — The Joys of an Un-Optimized Life, Finding Paths Less Traveled, Creating Tech Independence (and Risks of the Cloud), Taking Giant Leaps, and Picking the Right “Game of Life”
Mentioned by 

as an example of an athlete who developed a concise pre-game routine that helped him perform well even under pressure.


James Clear

967 snips
Reminders From James Clear on How To Get 1% Better Every Day
Mentioned by 

, referencing Josh Waitzkin's story about compressing his pre-competition ritual.


James Clear

798 snips
How James Clear Would Start 2026 If He Were You
Mentioned by 

as a book by a mutual acquaintance.


Tim Ferriss

769 snips
#659: Michael Mauboussin — How Great Investors Make Decisions, Harnessing The Wisdom (vs. Madness) of Crowds, Lessons from Race Horses, and More
Recommended by 

. 

read the book about chess and jiu-jitsu.


Joe Rogan


Amjad Masad

742 snips
#2344 - Amjad Masad
Mentioned by 

himself as one of his own books.


Josh Waitzkin

604 snips
#756: Anne Lamott and Josh Waitzkin
Recommended by 

, who acquired the audiobook rights.


Tim Ferriss

503 snips
Episode 2: Joshua Waitzkin
Mentioned by 

as a book he loved so much that he helped produce the audiobook.


Tim Ferriss

488 snips
#148: Josh Waitzkin, The Prodigy Returns
Mentioned by 

as the author of the book.


Tim Ferriss

269 snips
#375: Josh Waitzkin — How to Cram 2 Months of Learning into 1 Day










