The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin)

Trader's Library #99 · Habits, learning and the mind. A chess and tai chi champion on how to learn and perform under pressure.

Author: Josh Waitzkin · Original: The Art of Learning · Year: 2007 · Usefulness for traders: ★★★★☆

What it's about

A chess prodigy (his childhood inspired the film “Searching for Bobby Fischer”) and later a tai chi push hands world champion describes how he learns and how he reaches peak performance under pressure.

What it gives a trader

Waitzkin has worked for years with outstanding fund managers and traders. His ideas: learning through deep understanding of the fundamentals (“making smaller circles”), using defeats as material for learning, regaining composure after a mistake and building rituals that let you enter a state of focus.

Lessons for traders

• mastery starts with a deep understanding of the fundamentals
• a mistake during the game mustn't lead to more mistakes
• a ritual before performing helps you enter a state of focus

What to watch out for

A lot of personal history and chess and tai chi detail.

Discussion

The discussion takes place in Hetman Capital Club (in Polish). Join the discussion in the Club →

Navigation

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Educational content, not investment advice. The book description is my own summary and assessment, not quotations. Edition details were checked in catalogues and bookshops, and where there was doubt I said so plainly.