Mastery - Robert Greene Flashcards
(46 cards)
True mastery comes from? (3 things)
passion, deep practice, and lifelong learning
What does Greene say about passion?
Identify your life’s task by following what deeply fascinates and excites you.
Why is apprenticeship critical?
It builds the foundation of skills, discipline, and practical knowledge necessary for mastery.
What’s Greene’s advice on finding a mentor?
Seek someone who can challenge you, accelerate your learning, and provide honest feedback.
What is the value of observation during apprenticeship?
Carefully watching others teaches you subtleties and hidden patterns.
How does Greene define deep practice?
Focused, deliberate practice over long periods with constant self-correction.
What is the role of social intelligence in mastery?
Understanding people and navigating social dynamics is crucial to achieving long-term success.
What is the “emotional pitfall” Greene warns about?
Frustration and boredom can derail progress; you must persist through them.
Mastery is a slow process; rushing leads to shallow knowledge.
What does Greene mean by “resist the short-term rewards”?
Focus on long-term growth over immediate praise or promotions.
What’s the danger of complacency?
It leads to stagnation; you must constantly challenge yourself to keep growing.
How does Greene describe creative-active phase?
A stage where you innovate, experiment, and push beyond what you were taught.
Why is experimentation important?
It helps you break out of limitations and discover new approaches.
What is Greene’s advice on handling criticism?
Take useful feedback, ignore petty criticism, and let it strengthen your resolve.
How do setbacks contribute to mastery?
They build resilience and force you to refine your approach.
What does Greene say about adapting to change?
Stay fluid, open-minded, and willing to adjust your strategies.
Why is intuition important for mastery?
It reflects accumulated experience and allows rapid, accurate decisions.
What is the “ideal apprenticeship”?
One where you absorb knowledge, develop skills, and gradually gain independence.
What is the importance of humility?
Being open to learning and correction is key to progress.
What does Greene say about lifelong learning?
Masters remain curious and continue learning throughout their lives.
What is Greene’s view on formal education?
It’s only a starting point; real mastery comes from self-directed learning.
What did Greene learn from Charles Darwin’s example?
Slow, patient observation and relentless experimentation lead to breakthroughs.
What did Greene learn from Benjamin Franklin’s example?
Self-discipline, constant improvement, and strategic networking are essential.
What did Greene learn from Mozart’s example?
Early immersion, intense practice, and later rebellion against conventions create genius.
