Customer Reviews
Easy read but not that enlightening - By: , 25 Sep 2008 
Josh Waitzkin's The Art of Learning is an easy book to read. Waitzkin writes with a fluent style & fills his pages with anecdotes. What the book lacks however is true insight into the learning process. There are no real concrete actions a reader can take to become a better learner, it all just remains fuzzy & vague & never truly coalesces into a coherent vision.
A fun read, but probably not a life changer. - By: M. D. Beaney, 20 Jun 2008 I should start off by saying that I quite liked this book, but that it's probably not one I'd return to again & again.
Firstly, the good: the book is very well written; Waitzkin comes across as a likable character, & quite humble for someone who has so obviously been a high achieverin his chosen field. He does offer some good insights,in terms of being aware of the individual's underlying nature when learning & not trying to force onself down a path that contradicts that. Plus, the stories used to illustrate his points are largely engaging.
Where I think the book was disappointing, for me at least, was that a great deal of the observations about what makes a top performer (learning from mistakes, concentrating on gaining a deep understanding etc.) are, if not self-evident, then at least variations on things that have been written about elsewhere.
nevertheless, definitely worth a look.
A great book.! - By: Ben Quinn, 24 Jan 2008 
This book is truly inspirational. It is one of the most informative, interesting & exciting books that I have read! The Art of Learning looks at the human condition with a great deal of insight & understanding.
Josh Waitzkin's understanding of the learning process is extremely pertinent & useful.
Waitzkin's knowledge of Chess & Tai Chi at the highest levels gives him a truly insightful awareness of the human conditionin competition & under other forms of stress.
Situations that have heightened his perceptions of time & place, aware of these changed & altered states he has turned these issues to his advantage. Throughout his career he has overcome the greatest difficulties & setbacks to achieve his goals.
The over riding sensationin reading this book is Waitzkin's ability to progress & improve! In reading his accounts of his almost transcendental like states one becomes physically & mentally stronger, one becomes aware of ones potential & worth!
His Touch Hands World Finalsin Taiwan, 2004, was a buzz to read.
I will be using his techniques too enhance the quality of my life & I will certainly recommend The Art of Learning to my friends.
I wish him every successin the future.
Ben Quinn.
