Radical in its implications, this original and important work may change
forever the views we hold about the nature of learning. In The Power of
Mindful Learning, Ellen Langer uses her innovative theory of
mindulness, introduced in her influential earlier book, to dramatically
enhance the way we learn. In business, sports, laboratories, or at home,
our learning is hobbled by certain antiquated and pervasive
misconceptions. In this pithy, liberating, and delightful book she gives
us a fresh, new view of learning in the broadest sense. Such familiar
notions as delayed gratification, "the basics", or even "right answers",
are all incapacitating myths which Langer explodes one by one. She
replaces them with her concept of mindful or conditional learning which
she demonstrates, with fascinating examples from her research, to be
extraordinarily effective. Mindful learning takes place with an
awareness of context and of the ever-changing nature of information.
Learning without this awareness, as Langer shows convincingly, has
severely limited uses and often sets on up for failure.With stunning
applications to skills as diverse as paying attention, CPR, investment
analysis, psychotherapy, or playing a musical instrument, The Power of
Mindful Learning is for all who are curious and intellectually
adventurous.
