Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

mind-and-cognition

• The brain has a very similar degree and variety of adaptability—'plasticity'—as the body, with no indication we have reached its limits yet.

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• Mental representations are preexisting patterns held in long-term memory that sidestep the usual restrictions short-term memory places on mental processing.

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• What most clearly sets grandmasters apart from novices is their ability to devise much better potential moves when they first examine a position.

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education-and-formation

• The best violin students had practiced an average of significantly more hours than better students—solitary practice time was the primary differentiator.

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• The teacher identified immediate goals and assigned practice activities; the primary difference between students lay in how much time they devoted to solitary practice.

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ambition-and-status

• Alekhine saw no reason to stop at 'one of the best'—his goal was to be the best player, period: the World Chess Champion.

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