|
Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment (平装)
by George Leonard
| Category:
Mastery, Personal success |
| Market price: ¥ 158.00
MSL price:
¥ 148.00
[ Shop incentives ]
|
| Stock:
In Stock |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
This short and pithy small book contains a wealth of wisdom about mastery and success, which is described by the author as a "long-term, essentially goalless process." |
| If you want us to help you with the right titles you're looking for, or to make reading recommendations based on your needs, please contact our consultants. |
|
| |
AllReviews |
1 Total 1 pages 8 items |
|
|
Smith (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
Finally, a book that gives the basics of power. The author shows that one needs valid knowledge and a lot of practice to be a master. Although this seems obvious, many people miss the forest for the trees. This could be called a manual on how to use knowledge. He gives some exercises from his training in the martial arts, but this is not a martial arts manual. The book gives the keys to becoming a master at anything. The keys of valid knowledge and practice is the way to master anything. He also shows that mastership is an endless road. You can never say your perfect and stop. You keep learning and getting better. The book appears simple on the surface but dont underestimate it, its full of wisdom. Although in our society there are those who call themselves masters and even grandmasters, true masters are a rarity. Shakespeare in writing, Bruce Lee in the martial arts, Capablanca in chess, Einstein in science are examples of true masters. But this book is for individuals who are willing to go through the very hard work and study to be a master. A very good book for those pursuing excellence. |
|
|
John (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
Leonard is an Aikido instructor in Northern California, and once contributed an article on fitness and athletics to Esquire magazine which I always wished I had kept. Years later, I came across this book, and was thrilled to find that he was the author of that article. There are few pursuits which would not be enriched by the insights and principles of this little book. Unlike the great majority of self-help books, this one looks like the classics: it stays short, and doesn't lose its point in a plethora of unnecessary case studies, examples, and narcissistic autobiographical reflections. Leonard stays focused, doesn't waste his readers' time, yet provides all the information and motivation necessary to put the reader on the slow, steady track to success, whether it be in sports, in business, in the arts, or in a life enriched by all that. It's the antithesis of the quick fix: if you care enough about an endeavor to give your time to it, Leonard will tell you what the learning curve will look like, and will tell you that, if it matters, it's worth giving your lifetime to pursue. |
|
|
A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
There are other books out there on achieving mastery in the martial arts (Living the Martial Way is my favorite). This one takes the principles that Mr. Leonard has learned from his practice of aikido, and translates it into practical principles for following the path of Mastery in any skill. It's simply and skillfully written, and easily understandable - the principles of mastery are easy, it's the staying on the path that's hard. As a born hacker, someone who gets to the level of "good enough" in every area, and then just hangs around there forever, this book gave me the tools I needed to start forgeing ahead again in many things.The most profound things don't have to be complicated, in fact they're usually simple. It's just that simple things aren't always easy to do. |
|
|
A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
Leonard has done an excellent job outlining the case for practicing anything for the purpose of pleasure and fulfillment. Most of what we acknowledge as important in our lives revolves around the quest for wealth/status. Everything else is of little importance and so we are not present when participating. The fine arts is an obvious example. Why would someone practice 2 hours a day at piano if they are not increasing wealth or status ? Leonard shows that the furtherance of the art is the reward.
Also discussed is the focus of our society on the climax or fast/easy gains. With every climax there is a period of plateau or gradual build up to the next climax. Leonard describes how enjoyment can be had during the plateau, not in anticipation of the next climax but for its own sake. |
|
|
Matthews (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
We can so easily become caught up in achieving something, or in measuring up to someone else's standards, while we forget how pleasant it is to just be.
As I read this book, I decided to list all of the identities that I label myself as having, including those that I aspire to have. And I focused upon practicing those parts of who I am.
That is what we must do, to get the most out of our lives. It's important to practice as though we are just beginning. And having a child-like curiosity, no matter where we are on our journey increases what is possible for each of us.
I am happy to have noted that as I read this book, while listing the roles that I play in life, I have increased my ability to be who I approve of being - That's life mastery.
While the joy of this path is endless, it's also important to appreciate the here and now. |
|
|
Andrea (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
Great book! I found a lot of interesting concepts in here including the concept of homeostasis (forgot about that one from Biology!), how the body eventually will automatically always return to its original state as a way of protecting itself and how that also applies to the mind. The topic of practice and muscle memory and why you need to practice over and over before your muscle memory kicks in to do a particular task before it becomes second nature. And the discussion on how America has become a society of immediate gratification, without the benefit of practice, commitment and mastery, the values that are lost in this lifestyle. The author discusses learning to love the practice and finding peace and satisfaction in your daily life. |
|
|
Dan Caron (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
George Leonard provides an excellent account of the requirements necessary to master any undertaking. He stresses that there should not be a focus on short term progress and that to become a true master, one must accept the periods where improvement seems non-existant. A very insightful book, great for readers of any age. |
|
|
David (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-15 00:00>
It is popular today to write books and talk about 7 Habits, 12 Steps, 6 Degrees of Separation, and what not. Trying to synthesize the meaning of life and the "secrets" to happiness, fullfilment, and success has become a market in an of itself.
Success and Fullfillment are processes and paths. And like the popular saying goes, "the map is not the territory." But we all need maps and models. This book is one of the best models and maps I've ever seen. Reading it, you'll probably have a number of "aha!" revelations, and it will probably seem so easy... It's not, but coming back to this book time and again is a great way to remind us that the basics of the process and the path aren't hard to understand. |
|
|
|
1 Total 1 pages 8 items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
