Home » Opinion » Book review
On chess, tai chi and excellence
By Wu Jiayin |
September 5, 2009, Saturday
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Print Edition
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CONTRARY to the suggestion of its title, "The Art of Learning" by Josh Waitzkin is far from a dull text of abstract learning theories.
It is partly an autobiography that tells the extraordinary story of how Waitzkin, a chess prodigy, learned to master tai chi, a martial art.
Going beneath the superficial differences between chess and tai chi, Waitzkin uncovers similarities and generalizes some common rules that help in learning a new skill and excelling in it.
Both tai chi and chess are stylized abstractions of combat. In both games, players must analyze their interactions with their opponents to identify and improve their tactics and techniques.
Waitzkin's grasp of the essence of the games probably contributed to his mastery of them.
He might appear overambitious when he argues that the art of learning he presents can be applied to training for excellence in any field, however, his theories and advice about learning and achieving high performance are useful.
The best way to sharpen skills in both games, and many other fields, according to Waitzkin, is to "invest in loss" or play with superior opponents and be willing to lose.
As the saying goes, "Failure is the mother of success," and one can often quickly improve skills by analyzing and learning from his or her failure.
Though losing may generate feelings of self-denial, learning to control and overcome bad feelings is an important lesson.
Being able to "read" an opponent's mind by observing their unconscious actions or reflexes is another indispensable skill to master performers, notes Waitzkin. Anticipating future moves of one's opponent can enable one to adopt the best strategy to manipulate and outmaneuver the other party.
Waitzkin cites a tai chi example. If you perceive that a push-hands opponent is accustomed to being powerful, you can throw the person off balance by setting him or her up to push hard.
Similarly, Sun Tzu wrote in "The Art of War," "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."
Strong will
Besides the importance of particular techniques, Waitzkin emphasizes the importance of building a strong will. After all, in chess games as well as negotiations, the steps are not predictable. Each party tries to throw the other off balance by taking unexpected moves. Thus, it is often the party with the stronger will who wins.
"Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously," says Waitzkin.
To strengthen mental resilience, Waitzkin suggests physical and endurance training so that one doesn't break down during high energy-consuming games or work.
One also needs to find a personal trigger to help him or her stay calm and focused in the face of frustration and annoyance.
The book's most powerful message is that those who seek success should engage in long-term practice and learning.
Some may object that none of the skills Waitzkin calls for are easily mastered, and thus the book is written for those as talented and determined as the author himself.
While talent does matter in the short run, it is often perseverance that differentiates people in the long run.
It is partly an autobiography that tells the extraordinary story of how Waitzkin, a chess prodigy, learned to master tai chi, a martial art.
Going beneath the superficial differences between chess and tai chi, Waitzkin uncovers similarities and generalizes some common rules that help in learning a new skill and excelling in it.
Both tai chi and chess are stylized abstractions of combat. In both games, players must analyze their interactions with their opponents to identify and improve their tactics and techniques.
Waitzkin's grasp of the essence of the games probably contributed to his mastery of them.
He might appear overambitious when he argues that the art of learning he presents can be applied to training for excellence in any field, however, his theories and advice about learning and achieving high performance are useful.
The best way to sharpen skills in both games, and many other fields, according to Waitzkin, is to "invest in loss" or play with superior opponents and be willing to lose.
As the saying goes, "Failure is the mother of success," and one can often quickly improve skills by analyzing and learning from his or her failure.
Though losing may generate feelings of self-denial, learning to control and overcome bad feelings is an important lesson.
Being able to "read" an opponent's mind by observing their unconscious actions or reflexes is another indispensable skill to master performers, notes Waitzkin. Anticipating future moves of one's opponent can enable one to adopt the best strategy to manipulate and outmaneuver the other party.
Waitzkin cites a tai chi example. If you perceive that a push-hands opponent is accustomed to being powerful, you can throw the person off balance by setting him or her up to push hard.
Similarly, Sun Tzu wrote in "The Art of War," "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."
Strong will
Besides the importance of particular techniques, Waitzkin emphasizes the importance of building a strong will. After all, in chess games as well as negotiations, the steps are not predictable. Each party tries to throw the other off balance by taking unexpected moves. Thus, it is often the party with the stronger will who wins.
"Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously," says Waitzkin.
To strengthen mental resilience, Waitzkin suggests physical and endurance training so that one doesn't break down during high energy-consuming games or work.
One also needs to find a personal trigger to help him or her stay calm and focused in the face of frustration and annoyance.
The book's most powerful message is that those who seek success should engage in long-term practice and learning.
Some may object that none of the skills Waitzkin calls for are easily mastered, and thus the book is written for those as talented and determined as the author himself.
While talent does matter in the short run, it is often perseverance that differentiates people in the long run.
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