20 best books on how to learn – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you eager to unlock your full potential and learn new skills? Look no further! We have curated a list of the 20 best books about how to learn that will revolutionize your approach to knowledge acquisition. Whether you want to master a new language, improve your memory, or become a more effective learner overall, these books are your ultimate guide. Get ready to dive into a world of proven strategies, expert insights, and practical exercises that will transform the way you learn forever!


Atomic Habits

by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a game-changing book about the art of habit formation. If you’ve ever wanted to crack the code on how to learn effectively, this book is your golden ticket. Clear dives deep into the science behind habits and provides practical strategies to help you build good habits and break bad ones.

Deep Work

by Cal Newport

Deep Work by Cal Newport is a game-changing book about mastering the art of intense focus and productivity in our increasingly distracted world. It’s not just another book on how to learn or improve your skills, but rather a profound exploration of how to tap into your cognitive potential and achieve remarkable feats.

Mindset

by Carol S. Dweck

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck is a captivating book about the power of having the right attitude when it comes to learning and personal growth. In this fascinating book on how to learn, Dweck explores the concept of mindset and how it can greatly impact our abilities and achievements.

The Power of Habit

by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is an incredible book that delves into the fascinating world of human behavior and the power of habits. This book is not just your typical ‘book on how to learn’, but rather a captivating exploration of the science behind habits and how they shape our lives.

Make It Stick

by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel

Make It Stick is an informative and insightful book on the art of effective learning. Written by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel, this book delves into the science behind learning and provides practical strategies to enhance our learning abilities.

This book about how to learn explores the misconceptions and myths surrounding learning and challenges traditional study techniques. It emphasizes the importance of active learning, retrieval practice, and spaced repetition in retaining information for the long term.

Make It Stick offers a refreshing perspective on learning, encouraging readers to embrace the process of making mistakes and learning from them. It highlights the power of testing oneself on the material, rather than simply reviewing it, as a means of solidifying knowledge.

Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples, the authors demonstrate how the brain absorbs and retains information, making the learning process more effective and efficient. They also provide practical strategies for applying these principles in various educational settings, whether in schools, workplaces, or personal learning endeavors.

In a world where information is readily available and constantly evolving, Make It Stick equips readers with the tools to become lifelong learners. This how to learn book challenges conventional wisdom and offers evidence-based techniques to improve learning outcomes, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to optimize their learning potential.

Grit

by Angela Duckworth

Grit, written by Angela Duckworth, is a captivating book on how to learn that delves into the power of passion and perseverance. In this eye-opening book about how to learn, Duckworth shares her groundbreaking research on what truly drives success and achievement.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow is an eye-opening book about the intricacies of the human mind and how we make decisions. It is a thought-provoking journey into the depths of our own thought processes, and offers valuable insights into how we can become more aware of our cognitive biases and make better choices.

The Talent Code

by Daniel Coyle

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle is an extraordinary book on the art of unlocking your potential. It’s not just another run-of-the-mill book on how to learn; it’s a captivating journey into the depths of human performance and how greatness is achieved.

Mastery

by Robert Greene

Mastery, written by Robert Greene, is a captivating book on the art of becoming a master in any field. This extraordinary literary masterpiece serves as a guidebook, a roadmap, and a mentor all rolled into one. Rather than being just another ‘how to learn’ book, Mastery unveils the secrets and strategies to truly excel in your chosen endeavors.

The 5 AM Club

by Robin Sharma

The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma is an extraordinary book that unveils the secrets to unlocking your full potential and achieving greatness. In this captivating and illuminating book about how to learn, Sharma takes readers on a transformative journey, revealing the power and importance of waking up at 5 a.m. as a key to success.

The Lean Startup

by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a game-changing book about the art of entrepreneurship and the process of building successful startups. It’s not just another how-to-learn book; it’s a guide that challenges traditional business models and offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate the unpredictable world of startups.

The Four Hour Workweek

by Timothy Ferriss

The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss is a game-changing book on the art of lifestyle design. If you’re tired of the traditional 9 to 5 grind and crave a life of freedom, this book is your ultimate guide. However, it’s not just another book about how to learn; it’s a revolutionary manifesto that will challenge the way you think about work and productivity.

The Art of Learning

by Josh Waitzkin

The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin is not your typical book on how to learn. It is a captivating masterpiece that delves into the intricacies of the learning process. Waitzkin, a former child chess prodigy and later a champion martial artist, uses his own experiences to provide insightful and practical guidance on how to become a master in any field.

How We Learn

by Benedict Carey

Are you tired of struggling to retain information or feeling overwhelmed by the learning process? Look no further! Benedict Carey’s How We Learn is the ultimate guidebook for unlocking your brain’s full potential. This groundbreaking book on how to learn delves into the fascinating world of cognitive science, revealing powerful techniques and strategies that will revolutionize your approach to learning.

Unlike any other book about how to learn, How We Learn challenges the conventional wisdom and offers fresh insights that will enhance your learning abilities. Carey takes a unique approach, showcasing how our brains are wired to absorb and retain information in ways we never imagined. By understanding the inner workings of our minds, he provides practical techniques that cater to our brain’s natural tendencies.

This how to learn book is not a dry, academic text but a captivating journey through the science of learning. Carey masterfully weaves together real-life examples, personal anecdotes, and cutting-edge research to illustrate his points. You’ll find yourself engrossed in the stories of successful learners, from musicians to athletes, and discover how their techniques can be applied to any subject or skill.

One of the key takeaways from How We Learn is that forgetting is a critical part of the learning process. Yes, you heard that right! Carey reveals how spaced repetition and deliberate forgetting can actually enhance long-term memory and improve overall retention. This counterintuitive approach challenges traditional study methods and offers a refreshing perspective on how we can optimize our learning potential.

So, if you’re ready to accelerate your learning, boost your memory, and unlock your brain’s full capabilities, How We Learn is the transformative book on how to learn you’ve been waiting for. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to learning and unleash your true learning potential!

The First 20 Hours

by Josh Kaufman

The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman is an incredibly insightful book about the art of rapid skill acquisition. If you’re tired of traditional learning methods and looking for a fresh approach to acquiring new skills, this book is a game-changer. It’s not just another run-of-the-mill ‘book on how to learn’ – it’s a masterclass in efficient and effective learning.

The Learning Brain

by Tania Lombrozo

The Learning Brain by Tania Lombrozo is an incredible book on how to learn that will revolutionize the way you think about learning. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who has a thirst for knowledge, this book about how to learn is a must-read.

With a clear and engaging writing style, Lombrozo takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of the brain and its incredible capacity for learning. She explores the latest research in cognitive science and neuroscience to uncover the secrets behind effective learning strategies.

This how to learn book dives deep into topics such as memory, attention, motivation, and metacognition, providing practical tips and techniques that can be applied to any learning situation. Lombrozo also tackles common myths about learning, debunking misconceptions and providing evidence-based insights.

What sets The Learning Brain apart is its emphasis on the importance of individual differences in learning. Lombrozo recognizes that we all have unique learning styles and preferences, and she offers personalized strategies to help readers optimize their learning potential.

Whether you’re looking to improve your study habits, enhance your problem-solving skills, or simply understand the science behind learning, The Learning Brain is the ultimate guide. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible capabilities of your brain and discover new ways to unlock your learning potential.

The Organized Mind

by Daniel J. Levitin

The Organized Mind by Daniel J. Levitin is a captivating book about the art of mastering information overload. This brilliant and illuminating guide dives into the depths of our constantly buzzing, multitasking brains, and provides invaluable insights on how to effectively navigate the chaotic world of information we live in. Levitin offers a fresh perspective on how to learn, absorb, and retain knowledge in a world that bombards us with endless distractions. This isn’t just your average “how to learn” book; it’s a roadmap to harnessing the power of your mind and achieving a state of mental clarity and organization.

The Shallows

by Nicholas Carr

The Shallows by Nicholas Carr is a fascinating exploration of our increasingly distracted and fragmented digital world. In this thought-provoking book, Carr delves into the profound impact that the internet and technology have on our brains and our ability to learn and think deeply. This is not your typical how to learn book, but rather a thought-provoking journey that challenges our assumptions and forces us to reevaluate how we interact with information and the world around us.

A Mind for Numbers

by Barbara Oakley

A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley is a captivating book about the art of learning. This insightful guide provides readers with valuable strategies and techniques to enhance their learning abilities. Whether you’re a student struggling with math or a professional looking to improve your problem-solving skills, this book has something for everyone.

With engaging real-life examples and practical exercises, Oakley demystifies the learning process and reveals the secrets to becoming a more effective learner. From overcoming procrastination to mastering difficult concepts, this book covers it all. Oakley’s approach is refreshing and inspiring, making it a must-read for anyone looking to unlock their full learning potential.

If you’re seeking a book on how to learn that is both informative and entertaining, look no further than A Mind for Numbers. Prepare to discover a whole new world of learning possibilities!

The Little Book of Talent

by Daniel Coyle

The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle is a fascinating guide packed with wisdom on how to unlock your full potential and become a master of learning. If you’ve ever wondered how to learn more effectively, this book is your ultimate companion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about how to learn are essential resources for anyone seeking to improve their learning skills and techniques. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in personal growth, these books offer valuable insights and strategies that can help you unlock your full learning potential. From practical tips on effective studying to understanding the science behind learning, each book provides a unique perspective and actionable advice. So, grab a copy of these books and embark on a transformative journey of self-improvement and lifelong learning.