James Altucher interviews the world’s leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to find the “Choose Yourself” story—these are the moments we relate to… when someone rises up from personal struggle to reinvent themselves. The James Altucher Show brings you into the lives of peak-performers: billionaires, best-selling authors, rappers, astronauts, athletes, comedians, actors, and the world champions in every field, all who forged their own paths, found financial freedom and harnessed the power to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
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Mastering Mastery: Unraveling Learning with Scott Young
A Note from James:
"Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery." I first met Scott Young nearly ten years ago when he completed all the requirements for a four-year MIT degree in computer science in just 12 months. He's an expert at learning things quickly and recently authored the book "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery."
I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him, as I'm always interested in learning and mastering new skills. Scott Young excels in this area, and we discuss it thoroughly in this episode.
Episode Description:
In a vibrant dialogue that traverses the breadth of learning, James Altucher and Scott Young dissect the complexities of acquiring new skills across diverse fields. From Scott's pursuit of an MIT degree in a record-breaking year to effective strategies for mastering anything, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their learning game. James explores the psychological underpinnings and practical applications of learning principles, drawing on examples from chess, writing, acting, and more to illustrate the multifaceted nature of learning and mastery. Scott Young provides insights from his book, offering listeners a blend of storytelling, scientific research, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a lifelong learner, an educator, seeking to break through personal boundaries, or simply curious about the mechanics of mastering new skills, this episode is a compelling journey into understanding how we learn best.
Episode Summary:
00:00 Introduction to Mastery and Learning Quickly
00:08 Scott Young's Journey and the Art of Ultra Learning
01:57 The Science of Learning: Insights and Strategies
05:43 Exploring the Role of Talent in Learning
06:56 Case Study: Annette Oberstadt's Poker Mastery
17:56 The Importance of Quantity and Practice in Mastery
24:25 Understanding Chunking and Pattern Recognition
29:38 The Power of Variability in Learning
33:36 Applying Knowledge: The Challenge of Retrieval
35:39 Unlocking the Basics: Starting Your Learning Journey
35:51 Deep Dive into Learning Piano: Strategies and Pitfalls
38:12 Exploring Creativity in Music and Writing
40:41 The Role of Theory in Creative Mastery
45:40 Learning Across Lifespans: Adapting and Overcoming
46:45 The Power of Procedural Learning and Memory Systems
01:01:41 Harnessing Improv for Acting: A Unique Approach
01:04:57 Aging and Learning: Cognitive Shifts Over Time
01:10:29 The Joy of Learning: Flow, Mastery, and Well-being
- Scott Young's website: Scott H. Young
- Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery by Scott Young: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/getbetter/
- Harlan Ellison: Information about the writer can be found on Wikipedia
- The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: Find details on Wikipedia
- Octavia Butler: Learn more about the author on Wikipedia
- Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop: More information can be found on their official website
- Arthur Brooks: Discover more about his work on his official website
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