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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Mastery summary
Robert Greene
Myths about genius and what it really means to be great
16 mins
Brief summary
Mastery by Robert Greene explores the journey to becoming a master in any field. Through inspiring stories and historical examples, Greene details the essential elements required to achieve mastery, including dedication, patience, and learning from mentors.
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Mastery
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
You don’t need inborn talent to become a master; just follow the steps of masters before you.
Most people think that the extraordinary accomplishments of great masters like Da Vinci and Mozart stemmed from natural talent and inherent genius.
But it’s not true. There is, in fact, no natural link between inborn talent and the mastery of a skill or field.
As one study showed, while many young children display blazing talent, relatively few of them ever go on to remarkable achievement. On the other hand, those who show little sign of brilliance in school often later accomplish far more than their gifted peers.
For example, consider Charles Darwin’s younger cousin, Sir Francis Galton. Whereas Darwin was an ordinary boy who showed no sign of exceptional intellect, Galton had a higher IQ and was considered a prodigious genius. Yet today, it’s Darwin who’s regarded as the superior scientist and one of the century’s brightest minds.
Clearly, mastery does not depend on whether you’re gifted or “ordinary.” So what steps do both a maverick genius and a regular person take to become masters?
The answer is: exactly those steps taken by every great master throughout history. Each discovered their field, engaged in some kind of apprenticeship, developed a creative and open mind, then went on to achieve mastery. Edison, Mozart, Einstein, Goethe – the most celebrated masters throughout history all followed a similar path to success.
Modern masters, too, take the same steps. For example, professional boxer Freddie Roach dreamed of becoming a boxer, apprenticed with the great trainer Eddie Futch, and created a unique fighting style. Roach is now considered one of the best boxing trainers of his generation.
You don’t need inherited gifts, early talent or a high IQ to become a master. Just find your field or subject and follow the steps of the great masters before you.
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What is Mastery about?
In Mastery (2012), author Robert Greene argues and illustrates that everybody can achieve mastery of a skill or field if they follow the established steps of historical and present-day masters. Based on interviews and studies of some of the best in their respective fields, Greene provides a diverse array of tips and strategies on how to become a master.
Mastery Review
Mastery (2012) by Robert Greene dives into the process of achieving expertise and excellence in any field. Here's why this book is a must-read:
Unlock the secrets to achieving mastery in your chosen field with Mastery.
- It offers a comprehensive exploration of the principles and strategies behind mastering a skill.
- The book includes fascinating stories of historical figures and their journeys to greatness.
- It provides practical advice on overcoming obstacles and harnessing your potential.
Unlock the secrets to achieving mastery in your chosen field with Mastery.
Who should read Mastery?
- Anyone who is new to a field or subject
- Anyone who has just finished school and is thinking about what to do with their life
- Anyone who has worked in a certain field for a long time and is frustrated because they’re not advancing to a higher level
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Mastery FAQs
What is the main message of Mastery?
Mastery teaches readers how to achieve excellence and expertise in any field through dedication, practice, and perseverance.
How long does it take to read Mastery?
Reading Mastery typically takes around 10 hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Mastery a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mastery is a compelling and insightful book that provides valuable guidance for achieving expertise in any field.
Who is the author of Mastery?
The author of Mastery is Robert Greene.
How many chapters are in Mastery?
Mastery by Robert Greene has 6 chapters.
- Discover Your Calling
- Submit to Reality
- Absorb the Master's Power
- See People as They Are
- Awaken the Dimensional Mind
- Fuse the Intuitive with the Rational
How many pages are in Mastery?
Mastery has approximately 352 pages.
When was Mastery published?
Mastery was published in 2012.
What to read after Mastery?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mastery, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
- The 48 Laws of Power (New Version) by Robert Greene
- The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene
- The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
- Living the 80/20 Way by Richard Koch
- The Power Paradox by Dacher Keltner
- Mastery by George Leonard
- Deep Work by Cal Newport