When I see outsized success I’m aware it’s a result of trying more, sometimes trying and failing for years or in a way that lacks social recognition. When I’m moved to tears by mastery of craft — the elegance of movement, of process, it’s due to devotion of time and spirit. Things don’t just become great by accident. Most times its a long and quiet... See more
"It is rarely a mysterious technique that drives us to the top, but rather a profound mastery of what may well be a basic skill set."
—Josh Waitzkin
Mastery of basics, not secret techniques, makes legends.
Look at Roger Gracie's BJJ dominance—leverage and positioning. Jiro Ono's 3-star sushi hinges on rice and fish quality. Dieter Rams' design? 1... See more
Taste requires originality. It invokes an aspirational authenticity. Writer George Saunders calls this “achieving the iconic space,” and it’s what he’s after when he meets his creative writing students. “They arrive already wonderful. What we try to do over the next three years is help them achieve what I call their “iconic space” — the place from ... See more