Joshua Waitzkin, a former chess prodigy and martial arts expert, shares insights from his journey to mastery in both disciplines. He discusses merging strategies from chess and Tai Chi, emphasizing the importance of personal expression and kinesthetic intelligence. The conversation also dives into cognitive biases and how mindfulness enhances decision-making. Waitzkin highlights morning rituals for deeper family connections and reflects on literary influences shaping his creativity. He believes in learning from practitioners and embracing adversity to foster growth.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Simultaneous Chess and Tai Chi
While giving a simultaneous chess exhibition, Josh Waitzkin experienced the flow of the game like in Tai Chi.
This realization of the interconnectedness of seemingly different arts inspired his book, "The Art of Learning".
insights INSIGHT
Diverse Approaches to Chess Mastery
In chess, world-class players express their core being through the art, not by conforming to a single style.
Diverse approaches exist, from mathematical to musical or kinesthetic, reflecting individual personalities.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cheating and Flow Disruption
When children cheated during simultaneous chess exhibitions by changing the board position, Waitzkin felt the flow disrupted, not by visually noticing the change.
He'd then reverse-engineer, focusing back on the specific game to reconstruct the position and address the cheating.
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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 Road
Tom Stechschulte
Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future[2][3][4].
Tao te ching
Laozi
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
Think twice
harnessing the power of counterintuition
Michael J. Mauboussin
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert Pirsig
This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.
Shantaram
Gregory David Roberts
Shantaram is a novel based on the life of the author, Gregory David Roberts. The story follows Lindsay 'Lin' Ford, an Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. In Bombay, Lin immerses himself in the city's underworld, befriending a local guide named Prabaker and becoming involved in various activities including setting up a free health clinic in the slums, working with the mafia, and experiencing the diverse and vibrant culture of India. The novel is a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the human condition, and is known for its vivid portrayal of life in Bombay in the 1980s.
The Green Hills of Africa
Ernest Hemingway
Published in 1935, *The Green Hills of Africa* is Ernest Hemingway's memoir of his safari across the Serengeti with his wife, Pauline Pfeiffer. The book is an evocative account of big-game hunting, examining the grace of the chase and the ferocity of the kill. It also delves into Hemingway's thoughts on literature and writing, and it is an impassioned portrait of the African landscape and the beauty of a wilderness threatened by human incursions. The narrative is divided into four parts and includes discussions on American and European literature, as well as the author's personal reflections on hunting and the natural world[2][3][4].
For Whom the Bell Tolls
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John Donne
While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel. Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans. The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict. Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles. The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.
Ernest Hemingway on writing
Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway on Writing is a collection of essays, letters, and interviews that offer insights into the renowned author's writing process and philosophy. The book explores Hemingway's techniques, including his emphasis on concise language, vivid imagery, and the importance of showing rather than telling. It also delves into his views on storytelling, character development, and the role of the writer in society. Readers gain a deeper understanding of Hemingway's creative process and his dedication to crafting powerful and impactful narratives. The book is a valuable resource for aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most influential authors. His insights on writing remain relevant and inspiring for writers today.
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin. Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish. Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore. The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.
The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway
This definitive collection of Ernest Hemingway's short fiction includes beloved classics such as 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro', 'Hills Like White Elephants', and 'A Clean, Well-Lighted Place', along with seven previously unpublished stories. It showcases Hemingway's mastery of the short story form, exploring universal themes and human experiences with his characteristic spare yet powerful prose.
Josh Waitzkin was the basis for the book and movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer." Considered a chess prodigy, he has learning strategies that can be applied to anything, including his other loves of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (he's a black belt under Marcelo Garcia) and Tai Chi Push Hands (he's a world champion). Now, he spends his time coaching the world's top performers, whether Mark Messier, Cal Ripken Jr., or hedgefund managers. This episode is DEEP in the best way possible. And for a change from Episode 1, I'm totally sober.
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