Knowledge: wide or deep?

I enjoyed The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin and loved this blog post that provides “The Ultimate Guide” to his interviews, podcasts, and thinking.

When I think about what he has accomplished, a lot of it can be attributed to a commitment and focus on going to the depths within the fields he chooses to pursue.

This quote has been in my head for longer than I can remember:

“My approach is one that prioritizes depth before breadth. Almost everyone goes the other way, breadth first or go wide and then deep. Or maybe go wide and never go deep, which is actually what our culture tends to be moving toward – everyone’s distracted doing a million things at once.”

I agree. Going wide is easier than it has ever been. Going wide is a few keyboard strokes away.

I wonder if:

Would I be wiser reading fewer new books but choosing more re-reads instead?

Would I be more successful chasing fewer new leads but choosing to focus on follow-ups?

Would I be happier with fewer new friends but choosing to deepen existing connections?

Would I be a better chef with fewer new recipes or techniques but choosing to focus on refinement?


For more of Josh, his website is here.

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