Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life – I’ve been thinking a lot about what is the best way to learn about history. Reading this book has persuaded me that reading a few biographies, which limit the discussion to a single figure and point of reference, may be easier than more comprehensive sources. This book covers the […]
What We’ve Learned from Top Performer: Free Lesson Series
Cal Newport and I have worked the last three years on developing Top Performer, a course in applying the insights of deliberate practice to becoming really good at your work. This process has taken us through years of pilot classes and experiments–all trying to figure out what is the best method for rapidly crafting the […]
Ultralearning Matters More After Graduation
I think there’s a tendency to view ultralearning, the deep, intense self-education characterized by the MIT Challenge, as something mostly useful to students. Students have to do a lot of learning, so therefore, they would benefit the most from being able to do it faster or more efficiently. I actually think it’s the opposite. Ultralearning […]
What’s the Difference Between Learning an Art and a Science?
What’s the difference between learning physics and painting? Well, on the surface, almost everything is different. Physics uses math, painting uses brushstrokes. Physics requires abstract thinking, painting requires concrete perception. But, at a deeper level, learning painting and physics has a lot of similarities. They both involve concepts (force, composition), skills (calculus, color mixing) and […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.