Ultralearning

The author's passion for learning is clear from the off, and I especially enjoyed his conclusion that at the end of his ultralearning projects he always found that he had barely scratched the surface of the topic in question. In terms of practical advice, the focus on "metalearning" was insightful and I enjoyed the brief exploration of the Polgar family and what it takes to "raise a genius". The advice on language learning is also largely sound (based on my own experience). Overall a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

An accessible and incredibly inspiring introduction to meta-learning.

Ultralearning sells a big vision: the author claims to have taught himself an entire computer science degree in under a year; several languages and how to draw. He says you can gain incredible levels of skill in almost anything you want as well in only a few months of intense work.

I think that, when you really look at what it takes to achieve these results, it is probably simply impractical for most people who have jobs; families, and so forth. But that doesn't mean - as Young himself says - that you can't take some of these ideas and adapt them to your own situation to learn more effectively.

Learning new skills is not only an incredibly satisfying way to spend time; for most of us, in a rapidly changing world, it is essential. If you are going to learn, you might as well do it in the most efficient and effective way practical for you in your situation. Ultralearning provides you with a toolbox of techniques and approaches to do exactly that. It sets these out accessibly with plenty of inspiring anecdotes from people who've achieved incredible results of their own which help illustrate the techniques being explained.

If you are already well acquainted with the literature on metalearning, I imagine this book probably won't include much you don't already know; but for literally anyone else; I'd definitely recommend this book.

3.75
I read this as I started self-studying for a big exam. I found a lot of the principles to be very insightful and helped me to rethink my approach to studying. That said, I think the book was a little long, and I would have preferred a bit more about the science of learning and less real-life examples.

Despite the subject matter, I felt like I learned relatively little.

This book may be the one to push me over the edge - I'm increasingly getting the sense that there is a ‘type' of self-improvement/pop-psych book where the authors are more or less in a self-congratulatory cabal, despite none of their books actually having substance. It seems a bit like a group of Gladwell wannabes, following the format of turning a TED talk into a short book and then hyping each other's books up to boost each other's sales. It's starting to get frustrating.

2.5-3

As a perpetual self-directed learner, I was excited about this book and hoping that it wouldn't just rehash Young's blog content into a more long-winded form. Thankfully, it delivers!

In short, Ultralearning is well-written. For a lifestyle/productivity book surprisingly un-preachy, self-aware, and engaging. In fact, I'm unsure what to label this book as because while it does fit in with productivity and self-help, Ultralearning celebrates the process of learning rather than mindless productivity.

I am a speed reader, but I found myself slowing down to take in every chapter of this book. This was definitely a refreshing change from the writing style of other lifestyle and productivity gurus who tout “hustle” culture with a disturbing lack of self-awareness. Young acknowledges that not everyone may have the time or resources to commit to certain levels of learning, then provides alternatives and a framework that allows anyone to adapt his methods to their own situation.

In my opinion, Ultralearning provides a similar level of value as Fluent Forever.

4.5 stars. A pretty well researched and sensible book on how to create and execute learning projects. I had my quibbles (I don't think the Polgar sisters' story proves that just anyone can be a grand master with training, and there's no discussion of the failed replications of Growth Mindset) but those were minor.

Super good information. The methods on self-learning were encouraging and inspiring to me. I have a lot of self-directed projects that I'd like to do so this book was like candy. I'd recommend it to anyone who is really excited about learning new stuff rather than just getting an education to get the piece of paper at the end.

Very useful resource

Really good book for anyone who wants to have an edge in their professional career, learn anything more quickly and effectively or is just into learning science. Book focuses on cognitive skills however the advice can also in many ways be applied to motor skills. I started planning my first ultralearning project while reading. Highly recommended!