Debunking an alluring (but ultimately harmful) myth about how to get smarter.
Failure is a Lousy Teacher
The feel-good bromide that we learn more from failure than success is wrong. Here’s why.
What Work Matters?
How do you find work you love to do, that actually pays well?
Why People Stop Improving
Is mastery just a matter of 10,000 hours of practice? Debunking a common myth about improvement.
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.