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arachnia's review
3.0
This book is basic and barely useful someone who is already a decent learner and looking to improve. And the overuse of the word "genius" is a tad obnoxious. I would've given it a two stars. But still recommended for laymen who weren't privileged to receive such an overview in school/from parents/friends, etc.
campbelltaral's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
A capitalist's wet dream: reinforce the idea that a relentless pursuit of more skills is the only path to stability. Not high paying careers, not securing top positions in elite firms. Basic stability. Our system raises the bar at an exponential rate so that the wealthiest pull farther ahead in the race while the middle is shoved down to the bottom with no hope of having anything remotely like success. (Author states as much in the introduction). I am someone who loves learning and frequently picks up new skills just for the sake of knowing, but even I feel disturbed that this is becoming normalized for survival.
The trifecta of "haven't experienced true, prolonged/lifelong hardship but are telling people what they should be doing to make their lives better": Cal Newport, James Clear, Scott H. Young. Look, I appreciate the exuberance, that you found what works for you, but come back after you've been a single parent of disabled kids, grew up rural and/or impoverished, lived life as a woman working triple time to prove your worth and mask yourself while men around you cruise on by accumulating promotions and leadership positions for no other reason than just existing. Come back when you have struggled with all of the above your whole life.
But of course, minutes after taking this note, Young introduces Mary Somerville, an 18th century woman with a sharp intellect who learned multiple languages, was a mathematician, and it's known for the translation and expansion of Pierre-Simon Laplace's Traité de mécanique céleste (their of gravitation and advanced mathematics). Still, one example. The rest of the examples are men or if they are women, they are young and well-supported, not having to do it all on their own.
The ideas and guidance are not unfounded, they are what I use and why I was interested in reading this book. Tenacity, intensity, absorption, and early application in real world context are the major ones. Find time, dive deep, maintain an open mind.
Overall, I'd say the book is worth the library hold.
The trifecta of "haven't experienced true, prolonged/lifelong hardship but are telling people what they should be doing to make their lives better": Cal Newport, James Clear, Scott H. Young. Look, I appreciate the exuberance, that you found what works for you, but come back after you've been a single parent of disabled kids, grew up rural and/or impoverished, lived life as a woman working triple time to prove your worth and mask yourself while men around you cruise on by accumulating promotions and leadership positions for no other reason than just existing. Come back when you have struggled with all of the above your whole life.
But of course, minutes after taking this note, Young introduces Mary Somerville, an 18th century woman with a sharp intellect who learned multiple languages, was a mathematician, and it's known for the translation and expansion of Pierre-Simon Laplace's Traité de mécanique céleste (their of gravitation and advanced mathematics). Still, one example. The rest of the examples are men or if they are women, they are young and well-supported, not having to do it all on their own.
The ideas and guidance are not unfounded, they are what I use and why I was interested in reading this book. Tenacity, intensity, absorption, and early application in real world context are the major ones. Find time, dive deep, maintain an open mind.
Overall, I'd say the book is worth the library hold.
migueldavid's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who likes to learn, I was keen to learn how to meta-learn, and the book didn't disappoint. Instead of only gimmicks and saying mnemonics is good, ultra-learning is focused, directed learning with a few sprinkles of other things. A good read.
afneyman's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely something to come back to as a reference for learning a new skill