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Expert: Understanding the Path to Mastery
'Roger Kneebone is a legend' Mark Miodownik, author of
Stuff Matters
'Fascinating and inspiring' Financial Times
'The pandemic has made the necessity of relying on experts evident to all . . . this is a rich exploration of lifelong learning' Guardian
What could a lacemaker have in common with vascular surgeons? A Savile Row tailor with molecular scientists? A fighter pilot with jazz musicians? At first glance, very little. But Roger Kneebone is the expert on experts, having spent a lifetime finding the connections.
In Expert, he combines his own experiences as a doctor with insights from extraordinary people and cutting-edge research to map out the path we're all following - from 'doing time' as an Apprentice, to developing your 'voice' and taking on responsibility as a Journeyman, to finally becoming a Master and passing on your skills. As Kneebone shows, although each outcome is different, the journey is always the same.
Whether you're developing a new career, studying a language, learning a musical instrument or simply becoming the person you want to be, this ground-breaking book reveals the path to mastery.
'Fascinating and inspiring' Financial Times
'The pandemic has made the necessity of relying on experts evident to all . . . this is a rich exploration of lifelong learning' Guardian
What could a lacemaker have in common with vascular surgeons? A Savile Row tailor with molecular scientists? A fighter pilot with jazz musicians? At first glance, very little. But Roger Kneebone is the expert on experts, having spent a lifetime finding the connections.
In Expert, he combines his own experiences as a doctor with insights from extraordinary people and cutting-edge research to map out the path we're all following - from 'doing time' as an Apprentice, to developing your 'voice' and taking on responsibility as a Journeyman, to finally becoming a Master and passing on your skills. As Kneebone shows, although each outcome is different, the journey is always the same.
Whether you're developing a new career, studying a language, learning a musical instrument or simply becoming the person you want to be, this ground-breaking book reveals the path to mastery.
333 pages, Hardcover
Published August 27, 2020
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August 30, 2020
There has long been snobbishness associated with certain ”prestigious” professions and often accompanied by a patronising tone used towards those perceived to be in ”inferior” employment, usually blue-collar jobs and any work involving manual labour. But what Roger Kneebone explains in Expert: Understanding the Path to Mastery, his absorbing debut, is that we are all on the road to becoming experts on a vast array of subjects which differ from person to person based on a person's preferences and interests. As a leading academic at Imperial College London, Professor Kneebone is fascinated by the embodied ways of knowing developed by experts in different fields and how these can inform one another; you could say that he is the expert on experts. With much criticism recently fired towards experts involved in the government decision-making process regarding COVID-19, he shows why experts are necessary and why sharing our expertise with each other can only lead to more progression in every field, even when the particular fields seem to have an absolutely nothing in common with one another.
Kneebone talks about the importance of expertise, the journey it involves, and why a plasterer can have just as much of it as a fighter pilot, and he uses his own eclectic range of experiences – from trauma surgeon to GP, and from amateur pilot to harpsichord maker – to reflect on other experts he has met along his path in life, be they musicians, tailors, builders, or taxidermists. The essence of the book is that we often view experts as a breed apart but we are all on a journey to becoming an expert in our respective departments or fields. There is no definitive set of objectives to achieve in order to become one as being an expert is effectively a continuum which has an indefinable beginning and end, and due to the fact that no-one ever arrives at the stage where they are a fully-fledged expert, we can ALWAYS keep becoming better. In our post-Brexit, pandemic-gripped world where some have claimed there are ‘too many experts’, Professor Kneebone draws out important messages, using new research and insights along the way.
In some ways, I feel that the title of the book doesn't do justice to the fascinating exploration that lingers inside these pages. It's a surprisingly enjoyable, engrossing and accessible read in which complex ideas are expressed in a simple fashion and the anecdotes and examples given to illustrate the points are interesting. This is an original and eminently unique read which I found intriguing from start to finish and the fact that it has been written in order to ensure even a layperson can comprehend the ideas explored makes it even better. I hope people don't simply look at the cover and title and deem it too dry-looking to pick up because that isn't the case at all. Overall, this is a thoroughly engaging romp through the quagmire that can often be experts and expertise, navigating the rough terrain of the past few years whereby the title of expert, in some cases, has become synonymous with a person who peddles pseudo-science. Here, the expert on experts reconstitutes the trust once felt for them and why it is so crucial. Many thanks to Viking for an ARC.
Kneebone talks about the importance of expertise, the journey it involves, and why a plasterer can have just as much of it as a fighter pilot, and he uses his own eclectic range of experiences – from trauma surgeon to GP, and from amateur pilot to harpsichord maker – to reflect on other experts he has met along his path in life, be they musicians, tailors, builders, or taxidermists. The essence of the book is that we often view experts as a breed apart but we are all on a journey to becoming an expert in our respective departments or fields. There is no definitive set of objectives to achieve in order to become one as being an expert is effectively a continuum which has an indefinable beginning and end, and due to the fact that no-one ever arrives at the stage where they are a fully-fledged expert, we can ALWAYS keep becoming better. In our post-Brexit, pandemic-gripped world where some have claimed there are ‘too many experts’, Professor Kneebone draws out important messages, using new research and insights along the way.
In some ways, I feel that the title of the book doesn't do justice to the fascinating exploration that lingers inside these pages. It's a surprisingly enjoyable, engrossing and accessible read in which complex ideas are expressed in a simple fashion and the anecdotes and examples given to illustrate the points are interesting. This is an original and eminently unique read which I found intriguing from start to finish and the fact that it has been written in order to ensure even a layperson can comprehend the ideas explored makes it even better. I hope people don't simply look at the cover and title and deem it too dry-looking to pick up because that isn't the case at all. Overall, this is a thoroughly engaging romp through the quagmire that can often be experts and expertise, navigating the rough terrain of the past few years whereby the title of expert, in some cases, has become synonymous with a person who peddles pseudo-science. Here, the expert on experts reconstitutes the trust once felt for them and why it is so crucial. Many thanks to Viking for an ARC.
August 22, 2021
A trauma surgeon turned GP turned academician explains the path to becoming an expert and interdisciplinary skills that are needed in this path. Kneebone uses examples from multiple fields to explain the path, the need for experts, the complexities, the cross-disciplinary applications of seemingly irrelevant skills, etc.
This could've been a longish essay though. Became a breezy read because there was just too much repetition. Also, too much of Malcolm Gladwell type oversimplifications and extensions of principles.
This could've been a longish essay though. Became a breezy read because there was just too much repetition. Also, too much of Malcolm Gladwell type oversimplifications and extensions of principles.
August 16, 2023
I’m a sucker for any book that can teach me about how I can sharpen existing skills and help build new ones. Expert has been on my “to-read” list for a long time but I never picked it up until a thunderstorm led me to take shelter in my local library - it’s probably the only time I’ve ever been grateful for a thunderstorm.
For a very accomplished man, Roger Kneebone is remarkably humble, discussing how he doesn’t feel like he is an expert, but, rather, is on a path of lifelong learning (although he has the credentials, experience, awards, etc to support the label of an expert). This modesty, coupled with a flowing writing style, make the book a delight to read.
Each chapter follows a similar formula; Kneebone introduces an anecdote from his time as a surgeon, GP, or educator, then identifies the key issues involved. Following this, he dissects how experts in different fields (pilots, tailors, plumbers) train to be able to deal with similar situations, eventually bookending the chapter with a return to the anecdote and how those lessons can be applied to the situation, and others like it.
The chapter that focused on automating your workflow to the point you reach unconscious competence reminded me a lot of the central thesis of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience- indeed, part of becoming an expert lies in developing this.
Strange thing to praise, but I really liked the suggested reading part at the end, which wasn’t just him citing his previous work. Kneebone lists books and texts that have had effects on how he works, and explains why he found them particularly useful. I quite liked this as it gave me a flavour of what each of these recommendations entailed.
Probably my favourite book of the year (so far) - would highly recommend this to anyone looking to get better at any skill they’re developing, whether it be professional, or even a hobby.
In particular, Chapter 11 is a great read for anyone who teaches. There’s a lovely discussion on how to unpick incorrect assumptions students make and how to best get them to “see” what you do as an expert.
For a very accomplished man, Roger Kneebone is remarkably humble, discussing how he doesn’t feel like he is an expert, but, rather, is on a path of lifelong learning (although he has the credentials, experience, awards, etc to support the label of an expert). This modesty, coupled with a flowing writing style, make the book a delight to read.
Each chapter follows a similar formula; Kneebone introduces an anecdote from his time as a surgeon, GP, or educator, then identifies the key issues involved. Following this, he dissects how experts in different fields (pilots, tailors, plumbers) train to be able to deal with similar situations, eventually bookending the chapter with a return to the anecdote and how those lessons can be applied to the situation, and others like it.
The chapter that focused on automating your workflow to the point you reach unconscious competence reminded me a lot of the central thesis of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience- indeed, part of becoming an expert lies in developing this.
Strange thing to praise, but I really liked the suggested reading part at the end, which wasn’t just him citing his previous work. Kneebone lists books and texts that have had effects on how he works, and explains why he found them particularly useful. I quite liked this as it gave me a flavour of what each of these recommendations entailed.
Probably my favourite book of the year (so far) - would highly recommend this to anyone looking to get better at any skill they’re developing, whether it be professional, or even a hobby.
In particular, Chapter 11 is a great read for anyone who teaches. There’s a lovely discussion on how to unpick incorrect assumptions students make and how to best get them to “see” what you do as an expert.
August 27, 2022
A fantastic read considering it's the author's first non-academic book published for a general audience. The book covers the studied stages that all experts have in common in terms of their experiences and journeys, rather than going in-depth into the technical expertise of any particular field. This made the book a practical read with which anyone could easily identify with, as we all share the same steps in one way or another in our journeys to becoming expert.
I found the most compelling aspect are the countless examples of different professions that the author provides, from surgery and combat piloting to music and tailoring. Examples are provided at each stage of the journey where relevant, from apprentice, through to journeyman, all the way to master. Chapters are split up in smaller digestible sub-sections that helped making the reading experience crisper.
In the end, the author helps clarify that experts are human in the end, each with their own struggles and challenges that they've gone through to reach that point in their lives. Identifying at which point of the journey you are on your current path will help you realise what you've already overcome and what others have gone through as their next steps to become expert.
I found the most compelling aspect are the countless examples of different professions that the author provides, from surgery and combat piloting to music and tailoring. Examples are provided at each stage of the journey where relevant, from apprentice, through to journeyman, all the way to master. Chapters are split up in smaller digestible sub-sections that helped making the reading experience crisper.
In the end, the author helps clarify that experts are human in the end, each with their own struggles and challenges that they've gone through to reach that point in their lives. Identifying at which point of the journey you are on your current path will help you realise what you've already overcome and what others have gone through as their next steps to become expert.
May 12, 2024
Про цю книгу дізналась із читацьких спільнот і вирішила придбати адже вважаю, що тема є досить важливою і актуальною зокрема для мене. Читала в українському перекладі.
Автор, сам лікар за фахом, на власному прикладі, прикладах знайомих йому експертів та після глибинного дослідження розповідає як досягти майстерності і пропонує певну модель цього. Це модель учнівства, яка підкреслює, що на шляху до експертності треба довго і натхненно вчитися у тих, хто вже став майстром. Вона включає 3 етапи (учень, мандрівний підмайстер, майстер), для кожного з яких властиві певні особливості - як діє людина на кожному з них. Надалі в книзі розповідається про кожен із них детально.
Як на мене тут багато філософії, міркувань та мало конкретики, хоча й наводиться багато прикладів. Застосування всього цього на практиці буде вирізнятись для кожної галузі, бо кожна сфера має свою специфіку.
Зацікавила в книзі згадка теми особистого простору і його роль, яку розробляв нейробіолог Майкл Граціано. Це поняття навіть виокремилось в психологічне й соціальне явище в 1960-их роках. Захотілось більше про це дізнатись.
Наприкінці є рекомендована література, для тих хто хотів би заглибитись в тему.
Хоча я змогла виділити досить багато цитат і цінних думок після прочитання, все ж не можу сказати, що знайшла відповіді на свої запитання. Але книгу радитиму, бо можливо кожен знайде щось у ній корисне саме для себе, на своєму шляху до експертності.
"Для того щоб стати експертом, треба зосередитись на обраній сфері, відкинути все, що відволікає, і рік за роком докладати усвідомлених зусиль".
"Бути експертом означає мати певний спосіб мислення й погляд на речі. Вас великою мірою визначають ваші внутрішні процеси, а не тільки те, що ви створюєте."
"Суть експертності - знання, що допомагають дістатися суті проблеми й, адекватно оцінивши, вміло й дбайливо розв'язати її."
"Щоб стати частиною спільноти, треба заслужити в ній місце. зазвичай це починається з того, що нам доводиться виконувати роботу, за яку ніхто не хоче братися.. Кожна спільнота складається з концентричних кіл, і долучаючись до неї, ми стоїмо на периферії... Проводячи час у спільноті, ми рухаємося від периферії до центру."
"Досвід накопичується з часом і диктує власний темп."
"Щоб стати експертом слід інтегрувати внутрішній і зовнішній світи"
"Усі експерти розробляють систему, яка працює для них".
"Всі ми припускаємось помилок. Але є різниця між помилками через недосвідченість, помилками через недбалість і неуважність і "серйозними помилками", які стаються, коли ми випробовуємо щось нове й дізнаємося, що це не працює... Щоб стати експертом, треба розвинути, зокрема гнучкість, опрацювати помилки в такий спосіб, щоб не применшити впливу ваших дій і водночас не розтрощити на друзки своєї віри в себе."
"Уміння мають бути такими міцними, щоб на них можна було покластися навіть коли ви налякані, невпевнені, коли сталося щось непередбачуване... Ви мусите вміти робити те, що робите, за будь-яких обставин... Ви повинні вміти працювати, коли ваше тіло не в найкращому стані, коли ви втомлені, коли вам недобре, коли у вас тривога чи стрес."
"Бути експертом - це не лише добре виконувати базові завдання, які трапляються під час роботи. Це означає вміти давати раду й тому, чого ви досі ніколи не бачили, і мати досить упевненості, щоб покладатися на прийняті рішення."
"Прагнути стати експертом означає спрямувати енергію в діяльність, що має сенс і мету. Це означає вдало використати потенціал, який є у всіх нас, вийти за межі банальності повсякдення... Стати експертом такого рівня означає докорінно змінити свою суть, а не просто підвищити рівень знань та умінь... Стати експертом означає встановити певні стосунки між роботою і людьми, для яких і з якими ви працюєте."
"Найбільш руйнівні наслідки має вимога швидких результатів."
"Прагнення досягнути майстерності лишається базовою людською потребою, але цей шлях має бути відкритим для кожного з нас."
"Відсутність межі для вдосконалення і є суттю становлення експерта."
Автор, сам лікар за фахом, на власному прикладі, прикладах знайомих йому експертів та після глибинного дослідження розповідає як досягти майстерності і пропонує певну модель цього. Це модель учнівства, яка підкреслює, що на шляху до експертності треба довго і натхненно вчитися у тих, хто вже став майстром. Вона включає 3 етапи (учень, мандрівний підмайстер, майстер), для кожного з яких властиві певні особливості - як діє людина на кожному з них. Надалі в книзі розповідається про кожен із них детально.
Як на мене тут багато філософії, міркувань та мало конкретики, хоча й наводиться багато прикладів. Застосування всього цього на практиці буде вирізнятись для кожної галузі, бо кожна сфера має свою специфіку.
Зацікавила в книзі згадка теми особистого простору і його роль, яку розробляв нейробіолог Майкл Граціано. Це поняття навіть виокремилось в психологічне й соціальне явище в 1960-их роках. Захотілось більше про це дізнатись.
Наприкінці є рекомендована література, для тих хто хотів би заглибитись в тему.
Хоча я змогла виділити досить багато цитат і цінних думок після прочитання, все ж не можу сказати, що знайшла відповіді на свої запитання. Але книгу радитиму, бо можливо кожен знайде щось у ній корисне саме для себе, на своєму шляху до експертності.
"Для того щоб стати експертом, треба зосередитись на обраній сфері, відкинути все, що відволікає, і рік за роком докладати усвідомлених зусиль".
"Бути експертом означає мати певний спосіб мислення й погляд на речі. Вас великою мірою визначають ваші внутрішні процеси, а не тільки те, що ви створюєте."
"Суть експертності - знання, що допомагають дістатися суті проблеми й, адекватно оцінивши, вміло й дбайливо розв'язати її."
"Щоб стати частиною спільноти, треба заслужити в ній місце. зазвичай це починається з того, що нам доводиться виконувати роботу, за яку ніхто не хоче братися.. Кожна спільнота складається з концентричних кіл, і долучаючись до неї, ми стоїмо на периферії... Проводячи час у спільноті, ми рухаємося від периферії до центру."
"Досвід накопичується з часом і диктує власний темп."
"Щоб стати експертом слід інтегрувати внутрішній і зовнішній світи"
"Усі експерти розробляють систему, яка працює для них".
"Всі ми припускаємось помилок. Але є різниця між помилками через недосвідченість, помилками через недбалість і неуважність і "серйозними помилками", які стаються, коли ми випробовуємо щось нове й дізнаємося, що це не працює... Щоб стати експертом, треба розвинути, зокрема гнучкість, опрацювати помилки в такий спосіб, щоб не применшити впливу ваших дій і водночас не розтрощити на друзки своєї віри в себе."
"Уміння мають бути такими міцними, щоб на них можна було покластися навіть коли ви налякані, невпевнені, коли сталося щось непередбачуване... Ви мусите вміти робити те, що робите, за будь-яких обставин... Ви повинні вміти працювати, коли ваше тіло не в найкращому стані, коли ви втомлені, коли вам недобре, коли у вас тривога чи стрес."
"Бути експертом - це не лише добре виконувати базові завдання, які трапляються під час роботи. Це означає вміти давати раду й тому, чого ви досі ніколи не бачили, і мати досить упевненості, щоб покладатися на прийняті рішення."
"Прагнути стати експертом означає спрямувати енергію в діяльність, що має сенс і мету. Це означає вдало використати потенціал, який є у всіх нас, вийти за межі банальності повсякдення... Стати експертом такого рівня означає докорінно змінити свою суть, а не просто підвищити рівень знань та умінь... Стати експертом означає встановити певні стосунки між роботою і людьми, для яких і з якими ви працюєте."
"Найбільш руйнівні наслідки має вимога швидких результатів."
"Прагнення досягнути майстерності лишається базовою людською потребою, але цей шлях має бути відкритим для кожного з нас."
"Відсутність межі для вдосконалення і є суттю становлення експерта."
October 26, 2020
"It's often said that our world privileges information over knowledge, and knowledge over wisdom. The ability to stay calm, take the long view and be thoughtful about embracing new technologies is increasingly rare and valuable. Level-headed guidance about what to believe is important now more than ever!"
Kneebone provides a fascinating insight into the world of experts and an exploration into how to become one.
Through his own history as a Trauma Surgeon turned GP turned Professor, he is able to find links between his own experience and that of other experts he has met along the way. He finds a way to draw comparisons between his own work as a doctor and that of a Saville Row tailor, a master taxidermist or a potter, and finds that over their careers they have had many similar experiences despite their wildly different fields.
For such a factual book, at times it reads like a thriller, when Kneebone describes some of his various experiences as a trauma surgeon in Johannesburg. At other times I felt it read rather surprisingly like a love story, but rather than romance it exudes a deep respect from one expert to another.
Not only does this book teach you about experts, it makes you contemplate where along this road you are personally, whether you're a plumber, an amateur photographer or an opera singer. It is utterly fascinating and I found numerous common experiences between my own work within the relatively small opera industry and that of potters, surgereons, tailors and so many more. Having read this book I can cement myself quite firmly within the Journeyman phase which is perhaps why I found the central chapters of this book so interesting.
Expert is a thoroughly engaging work of non-fiction and Kneebone’s desire to understand precisely
how one becomes an expert is contagious. No matter your vocation, you can take something from this astounding and insightful book.
A huge thank you to Vikingbooksuk for the gifted copy.
Kneebone provides a fascinating insight into the world of experts and an exploration into how to become one.
Through his own history as a Trauma Surgeon turned GP turned Professor, he is able to find links between his own experience and that of other experts he has met along the way. He finds a way to draw comparisons between his own work as a doctor and that of a Saville Row tailor, a master taxidermist or a potter, and finds that over their careers they have had many similar experiences despite their wildly different fields.
For such a factual book, at times it reads like a thriller, when Kneebone describes some of his various experiences as a trauma surgeon in Johannesburg. At other times I felt it read rather surprisingly like a love story, but rather than romance it exudes a deep respect from one expert to another.
Not only does this book teach you about experts, it makes you contemplate where along this road you are personally, whether you're a plumber, an amateur photographer or an opera singer. It is utterly fascinating and I found numerous common experiences between my own work within the relatively small opera industry and that of potters, surgereons, tailors and so many more. Having read this book I can cement myself quite firmly within the Journeyman phase which is perhaps why I found the central chapters of this book so interesting.
Expert is a thoroughly engaging work of non-fiction and Kneebone’s desire to understand precisely
how one becomes an expert is contagious. No matter your vocation, you can take something from this astounding and insightful book.
A huge thank you to Vikingbooksuk for the gifted copy.
October 11, 2021
Sets out the process of becoming a true expert
I really enjoyed this book somewhat more than I expected. It made me reflect on my own processes in gradually developing expertise as an economist and someone who has been involved in the development of small and medium enterprises over 30 years. The author has taken great pains to weave into his story a multidisciplinary approach to developing expertise which moves far beyond his background as a surgeon and later GP. Very much recommended.
I really enjoyed this book somewhat more than I expected. It made me reflect on my own processes in gradually developing expertise as an economist and someone who has been involved in the development of small and medium enterprises over 30 years. The author has taken great pains to weave into his story a multidisciplinary approach to developing expertise which moves far beyond his background as a surgeon and later GP. Very much recommended.
August 27, 2022
It’s an easy read with several interesting ideas. I’ve made notes from a handful of pages where an idea has particularly resonated.
To me, it feels like a collection of newspaper columns, threaded together to form a book with a bunch of metaphors rather than a completely convincing narrative.
To me, it feels like a collection of newspaper columns, threaded together to form a book with a bunch of metaphors rather than a completely convincing narrative.
April 10, 2022
Interesting examples but mostly common sense and like a more wishy washy Malcolm Gladwell book
November 25, 2023
"Expert" was sent to one of my colleagues by a manager on our investment platform. After seeing the book untouched on his desk for months, curiosity finally caught up to me and I gave it a read.
As you would expect, "Expert" is all about the journey to mastering a field, and the author studies people across a variety of professions to deliver his message. Although the content was not overwhelmingly insightful, overall themes of the book are valuable. A core tenant of the book is "doing your time": mastering fundamental tasks and slowly building on them. The message was pretty reassuring as I am about to study for CFA Level II Exam - an enormous sacrifice but essential to building the foundation I need to master my craft. It was a highly reflective reading experience, and it was fun to realize the progress I've made in 3 years towards becoming an expert of my own.
As you would expect, "Expert" is all about the journey to mastering a field, and the author studies people across a variety of professions to deliver his message. Although the content was not overwhelmingly insightful, overall themes of the book are valuable. A core tenant of the book is "doing your time": mastering fundamental tasks and slowly building on them. The message was pretty reassuring as I am about to study for CFA Level II Exam - an enormous sacrifice but essential to building the foundation I need to master my craft. It was a highly reflective reading experience, and it was fun to realize the progress I've made in 3 years towards becoming an expert of my own.
September 30, 2020
It is all about experts from surgeons to hairdressers, in all the professions, even in hobbies. I rather enjoy stories about being experts in their hobby. Also, it is not a matter of their mastery skills, but the process becoming experts itself matters - that is what I learned the most from this book. I like the chapter about improvisation - 'yes, and..', not 'yes, but..' (the latter does not sound great, really)
July 14, 2025
This is an impressive volume by a true polymath: a medical doctor who serves as Professor at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, directs the Performance Science Centre at the Royal College of Music and Imperial, and once wielded a scalpel as a practicing surgeon. His surgical recollections—vivid, at times harrowing—bring a rare immediacy to these pages.
For me, the book’s value lies in one powerful corroboration and four brilliant insights.
1. Corroboration: The Three-Stage Model of Mastery
After years of interviewing and observing experts across countless fields, the author confirms what many suspect but few can prove at scale: every master passes through three stages—Apprentice → Journeyman → Master. In every domain, true beginners must start with simple, repetitive tasks of seemingly little value, accruing focus and skill over time. There is no shortcut. That truth alone brings a comforting stillness to the restless mind.
2. Insight One: The Crucial Role of Tacit Knowledge
“Knowing” and “doing” are not separate phases but two currents of information flow. To act with expertise, one must have built a dense, viscous neural network—a tapestry of embodied knowledge. The author pinpoints four domains in which this “thick” information must accumulate:
• The Practitioner: subjective sensations, muscle memory, mood.
• The Object: the materials or phenomena one works upon.
• The Tools: implements, instruments, interfaces.
• The Environment: the physical and social context.
3. Insight Two: Defining the Expert
• The “Just-so” principle: experts can say, “Just do X—then Y will follow.”
• Poised at the brink: they handle fragile tasks under extreme conditions, sensing and respecting every limit.
• Adaptive flair: they improvise fluidly when circumstances shift.
4. Insight Three: Art versus Craft
Craftsmen operate under low uncertainty, following reliable processes. Artists—true creators—welcome ambiguity and venture beyond known patterns.
5. Beyond the Book: The “Spider-Web” Model of Genius
Why must many of us invest years to weave dense neural tapestries, while true innovators—“geniuses,” “inspired souls”—seem to arrive at solutions in a flash? I propose the spider-web model: rather than a thick fabric, their minds host a lighter, looser web of connections—scattered nodes linked by high-voltage synapses. Even without immersive practice, these sparks allow them to leap between distant ideas, forging novel paths where most see only emptiness. This delicate web underpins their creative agility.
In sum, this book not only reaffirms the hard truths of mastery but also generously lights new paths for how we understand expertise—and even creativity itself.
For me, the book’s value lies in one powerful corroboration and four brilliant insights.
1. Corroboration: The Three-Stage Model of Mastery
After years of interviewing and observing experts across countless fields, the author confirms what many suspect but few can prove at scale: every master passes through three stages—Apprentice → Journeyman → Master. In every domain, true beginners must start with simple, repetitive tasks of seemingly little value, accruing focus and skill over time. There is no shortcut. That truth alone brings a comforting stillness to the restless mind.
2. Insight One: The Crucial Role of Tacit Knowledge
“Knowing” and “doing” are not separate phases but two currents of information flow. To act with expertise, one must have built a dense, viscous neural network—a tapestry of embodied knowledge. The author pinpoints four domains in which this “thick” information must accumulate:
• The Practitioner: subjective sensations, muscle memory, mood.
• The Object: the materials or phenomena one works upon.
• The Tools: implements, instruments, interfaces.
• The Environment: the physical and social context.
3. Insight Two: Defining the Expert
• The “Just-so” principle: experts can say, “Just do X—then Y will follow.”
• Poised at the brink: they handle fragile tasks under extreme conditions, sensing and respecting every limit.
• Adaptive flair: they improvise fluidly when circumstances shift.
4. Insight Three: Art versus Craft
Craftsmen operate under low uncertainty, following reliable processes. Artists—true creators—welcome ambiguity and venture beyond known patterns.
5. Beyond the Book: The “Spider-Web” Model of Genius
Why must many of us invest years to weave dense neural tapestries, while true innovators—“geniuses,” “inspired souls”—seem to arrive at solutions in a flash? I propose the spider-web model: rather than a thick fabric, their minds host a lighter, looser web of connections—scattered nodes linked by high-voltage synapses. Even without immersive practice, these sparks allow them to leap between distant ideas, forging novel paths where most see only emptiness. This delicate web underpins their creative agility.
In sum, this book not only reaffirms the hard truths of mastery but also generously lights new paths for how we understand expertise—and even creativity itself.
May 20, 2023
Зацікавленість вищою освітою згасає. Бажання витрачати 4 роки на здобуття знань, коли є швидкі пропозиції відсутнє. Декілька місяців навчання, і як результат сертифікат підтвердження компетенції, і впевнено крокуєш на ринок праці для самореалізації. Така система робить тебе експертом?
Мати компетенції - це одне. Бути експертом - геть інше. Експертність - це не лише наука, не лише ремесло й не лише мистецтво. Експертність об’єднує всі три складові. Звісно, у її фундаменті лежить наука, фактичні знання, на вивчення яких витрачаємо чимало сил в університеті. Ремесло - багато практики, проєктів, бесід… Мистецтво - те, наскільки добре розумієте кожну проблему.
Усі ми можемо стати експертами в чомусь, хоча навряд чи здатні так глибоко охопити більше ніж одну-дві галузі. Для того, щоб стати експертом, треба зосередитися на обраній сфері, відкинути все, що відволікає, і рік за роком докладати усвідомлених зусиль. Це тривалий вимогливий процес, який потребує значних зусиль. До того ж не оминути і фрустрації. Ми живемо у світі, де потрібно видавати на-гора миттєві результати. Нас також навчили, що талант - це вроджене і що коли ми не проявляємо певної обдарованості, то й пробувати не варто. Гадаю, що обидва твердження хибні. Неможливо усвідомити, наскільки ви талановиті, поки не спробуєте.
Експерта простіше побачити в інших, ніж у собі, і не важливо, пишете ви електронні листи чи симфонії. І хоч експерти часто лишаються в тіні, ми можемо розгледіти їх, якщо знатимемо, куди дивитися. Досліджувати експертів - це виклик. Часто експерти вагаються, як пояснити, що вони власне роблять. Відточеним до автоматизму, їхня робота мігрувала у сферу несвідомого, недосяжного навіть для них, непридатного для словесних пояснень.
Ця книжка описує шлях між точками «я нічого не знаю» та «я готовий ділитися досвідом». Шлях експерта - це інколи їхати бездоріжжям, промиваючи довгі періоди фрустрації та нудьги. У дорозі будуть моменти, коли вам захочеться взяти речі й вийти.
Книга надихає, мотивує бути експертом. Для початківців в питанні експертності - книга супер. Для знавців - нічого особливого не знайдете.
Мати компетенції - це одне. Бути експертом - геть інше. Експертність - це не лише наука, не лише ремесло й не лише мистецтво. Експертність об’єднує всі три складові. Звісно, у її фундаменті лежить наука, фактичні знання, на вивчення яких витрачаємо чимало сил в університеті. Ремесло - багато практики, проєктів, бесід… Мистецтво - те, наскільки добре розумієте кожну проблему.
Усі ми можемо стати експертами в чомусь, хоча навряд чи здатні так глибоко охопити більше ніж одну-дві галузі. Для того, щоб стати експертом, треба зосередитися на обраній сфері, відкинути все, що відволікає, і рік за роком докладати усвідомлених зусиль. Це тривалий вимогливий процес, який потребує значних зусиль. До того ж не оминути і фрустрації. Ми живемо у світі, де потрібно видавати на-гора миттєві результати. Нас також навчили, що талант - це вроджене і що коли ми не проявляємо певної обдарованості, то й пробувати не варто. Гадаю, що обидва твердження хибні. Неможливо усвідомити, наскільки ви талановиті, поки не спробуєте.
Експерта простіше побачити в інших, ніж у собі, і не важливо, пишете ви електронні листи чи симфонії. І хоч експерти часто лишаються в тіні, ми можемо розгледіти їх, якщо знатимемо, куди дивитися. Досліджувати експертів - це виклик. Часто експерти вагаються, як пояснити, що вони власне роблять. Відточеним до автоматизму, їхня робота мігрувала у сферу несвідомого, недосяжного навіть для них, непридатного для словесних пояснень.
Ця книжка описує шлях між точками «я нічого не знаю» та «я готовий ділитися досвідом». Шлях експерта - це інколи їхати бездоріжжям, промиваючи довгі періоди фрустрації та нудьги. У дорозі будуть моменти, коли вам захочеться взяти речі й вийти.
Книга надихає, мотивує бути експертом. Для початківців в питанні експертності - книга супер. Для знавців - нічого особливого не знайдете.
January 16, 2025
Really really enjoyed this book! The author trained as a surgeon, then became a GP, and then an academic (professor). He gives examples from his own life as well as other people of how they went from a complete newbie to an expert in their particular field. The other fields are wide-ranging, from a tailor and a taxidermist to someone the author hired to figure out how to fix damp in his basement.
It was also good to hear about the fast-paced / instantaneous gratification society nowadays is at odds with becoming expert. This aligns w/ Cal Newport's idea of honing a craft and deep work.
The author highlighted a concept called "Community of practice" (Wikipedia has an article about it - the concept was first introduced in the early 90s in a book "Situated Learning" by an anthropologist and a theorist). Thinking of concentric circles, newcomers (apprentices) start on the outer circle and as they become more familiar, they move towards the center of the circle (journeymen), and finally make it to the center where the experts are. This made me think of our modern workplace - when a new employee first joins, they are on the outer circle. Even if they have years of experience in whatever field they are, they still have to start on the outside, as they have to learn how this particular workplace does things. As time passes and they become familiar with the workplace, they move towards the center. Eventually, they'll just "know" how everything is done and may or may not be able to explain it to a new employee. Some employees stay longer on the outside circles, as they're learning about this new workplace AND learning the skills they need for their particular position. Other employees might just need to learn about the workplace, or if they are an internal hire, they just have to learn the skills they need for the new position.
Anyway, I listened to the audiobook, but may check out the e-book so I can read some interesting sections.
It was also good to hear about the fast-paced / instantaneous gratification society nowadays is at odds with becoming expert. This aligns w/ Cal Newport's idea of honing a craft and deep work.
The author highlighted a concept called "Community of practice" (Wikipedia has an article about it - the concept was first introduced in the early 90s in a book "Situated Learning" by an anthropologist and a theorist). Thinking of concentric circles, newcomers (apprentices) start on the outer circle and as they become more familiar, they move towards the center of the circle (journeymen), and finally make it to the center where the experts are. This made me think of our modern workplace - when a new employee first joins, they are on the outer circle. Even if they have years of experience in whatever field they are, they still have to start on the outside, as they have to learn how this particular workplace does things. As time passes and they become familiar with the workplace, they move towards the center. Eventually, they'll just "know" how everything is done and may or may not be able to explain it to a new employee. Some employees stay longer on the outside circles, as they're learning about this new workplace AND learning the skills they need for their particular position. Other employees might just need to learn about the workplace, or if they are an internal hire, they just have to learn the skills they need for the new position.
Anyway, I listened to the audiobook, but may check out the e-book so I can read some interesting sections.
June 28, 2022
This is an easy to read, engaging book that weaves a central theme around Kneebone's career and experiences, and that of others he has encountered along the way..
The content itself is interesting and informative, if not earth shattering. That there is a path to becoming an expert is something that is well understood, and that it involves time, countless repetition, and commitment that may (at times) border on the fanatical is also broadly acknowledged. What is a touch novel is the acceptance that diverse areas of expertise can inform and improve other experts; this is not a reflection of the current shift to an inclusive society and world, but a fact that has underlain experts for as long as there have been experts.
A minor criticism of the book is that Kneebone states that everyone can become an expert in some field or other. Experience does not bear this out, there are examples enough of people who are not expert in any area of life or work, and lack the ability to do so seven if they aspire to it. Kneebone seems to tread a path of "least offense" with this.
A final question mark also hangs over Kneebone's conclusion, that to be an expert a person must be outward facing, that is, perform their task/art/expertness for others and mindful of others. It does not resonate properly; there are people and activities in which expertness is a fully inward looking thing (hermit monks are perhaps a far- edge example here). I think it is a definitional issue; Kneebone defines an expert as a master of their craft who looks outward, so therefore must look outwards.
All of which are minor criticisms. Kneebone's book is a timely reminder that, in an age of instant gratification and clamor for immediate success, time and effort do pay the greater rewards.
Well worth the effort to read.
The content itself is interesting and informative, if not earth shattering. That there is a path to becoming an expert is something that is well understood, and that it involves time, countless repetition, and commitment that may (at times) border on the fanatical is also broadly acknowledged. What is a touch novel is the acceptance that diverse areas of expertise can inform and improve other experts; this is not a reflection of the current shift to an inclusive society and world, but a fact that has underlain experts for as long as there have been experts.
A minor criticism of the book is that Kneebone states that everyone can become an expert in some field or other. Experience does not bear this out, there are examples enough of people who are not expert in any area of life or work, and lack the ability to do so seven if they aspire to it. Kneebone seems to tread a path of "least offense" with this.
A final question mark also hangs over Kneebone's conclusion, that to be an expert a person must be outward facing, that is, perform their task/art/expertness for others and mindful of others. It does not resonate properly; there are people and activities in which expertness is a fully inward looking thing (hermit monks are perhaps a far- edge example here). I think it is a definitional issue; Kneebone defines an expert as a master of their craft who looks outward, so therefore must look outwards.
All of which are minor criticisms. Kneebone's book is a timely reminder that, in an age of instant gratification and clamor for immediate success, time and effort do pay the greater rewards.
Well worth the effort to read.
July 2, 2024
У нашому швидкому світі частина людей вважає, що для того, щоб стати експертом достатньо погуглити, а якщо ти пройшов якийсь короткостроковий тренінг сумнівного змісту й авторства, так ти взагалі експерт сотого левелу)
Так от ця книжка про те, як не стати експертом експертних експертиз, які зараз такі популярні, особливо, в соцмережах)
Книга про те, що глибокі знання та ідеально відпрацьовані навички не зʼявляються за кілька днів чи навіть тижнів - це довгий повільний шлях - шлях майстра.
🖋️ Досвід накопичується часом і диктує власний темп. Пиріг не спечеться швидше, якщо ви подвоїте температуру.
🖋️ У помилок погана репутація, але вони важливі й до того ж їх не оминути. Справжній виклик не в тому, щоб робити все бездоганно, а в тому, щоб мінімізувати шкоду від хибних рішень.
🖋️ Помилки й поразки не одне й те саме.
🖋️ Майстерність вимагає років цілеспрямованих зусиль, тож у вас мають бути серйозні причини виконувати улюблену роботу.
🖋️ Хай би що ви робили, ваш унікальний голос - це те, що відрізняє вас від колег.
🖋️ Власний голос зʼявляється після невтомного затятого гарування, і ніяк цей процес не прискориш. Можна копіювати експертів, проте ви однаково не вмієте того, що насправді вміють вони.
🖋️ Люди вважають імпровізацію чимось спонтанним, тим, що дається без зусиль і майже без підготовки. Здебільшого це максимально далеко від істини. Можливо, зовні видається саме так, проте насправді все інакше. Імпровізація - результат багаторічної важкої праці.
Так от ця книжка про те, як не стати експертом експертних експертиз, які зараз такі популярні, особливо, в соцмережах)
Книга про те, що глибокі знання та ідеально відпрацьовані навички не зʼявляються за кілька днів чи навіть тижнів - це довгий повільний шлях - шлях майстра.
🖋️ Досвід накопичується часом і диктує власний темп. Пиріг не спечеться швидше, якщо ви подвоїте температуру.
🖋️ У помилок погана репутація, але вони важливі й до того ж їх не оминути. Справжній виклик не в тому, щоб робити все бездоганно, а в тому, щоб мінімізувати шкоду від хибних рішень.
🖋️ Помилки й поразки не одне й те саме.
🖋️ Майстерність вимагає років цілеспрямованих зусиль, тож у вас мають бути серйозні причини виконувати улюблену роботу.
🖋️ Хай би що ви робили, ваш унікальний голос - це те, що відрізняє вас від колег.
🖋️ Власний голос зʼявляється після невтомного затятого гарування, і ніяк цей процес не прискориш. Можна копіювати експертів, проте ви однаково не вмієте того, що насправді вміють вони.
🖋️ Люди вважають імпровізацію чимось спонтанним, тим, що дається без зусиль і майже без підготовки. Здебільшого це максимально далеко від істини. Можливо, зовні видається саме так, проте насправді все інакше. Імпровізація - результат багаторічної важкої праці.
April 8, 2023
Excellent read. Roger takes the one through the process of how does one become an expert - apprentice, journeyman and finally an expert. His various steps during an apprentice of doing time, using your senses, space and other people, followed by journeyman steps of its not about you, developing voice and finally the master of passing it on sound like he is talking to you about your journey.
Roger's movement from surgeon to GP to academics itself is how he has perfected his art of being an expert. So many insights packed into the book - when it rains, a map wont help you keep dry, at least you are not lost.
Must read for everyone who believes in being an expert in any domain, continual learning and very importantly it is critical to pass on ones own knowledge through ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).
Roger's movement from surgeon to GP to academics itself is how he has perfected his art of being an expert. So many insights packed into the book - when it rains, a map wont help you keep dry, at least you are not lost.
Must read for everyone who believes in being an expert in any domain, continual learning and very importantly it is critical to pass on ones own knowledge through ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).
May 25, 2023
Not sure what to think about this book. His description of the development of mastery in an individual seems sound but it can only apply to those in a creative and "craftsman" type job where you are mostly responsible only to yourself after moving past an apprenticeship and your success or failure is largely in your own hands. This isn't how things work for most people now - your average worker is completely alienated from their labour and may not even know why they do certain parts of their job. Furthermore, the fruits of their labour mostly go to someone else and they probably won't even see the final product. There definitely are "master" workers in fast food restaurants and Amazon warehouses but these aren't as valued as doctors or jugglers. So read this book for insights on achieving mastery and wish you had one of these kind of jobs.
March 13, 2021
Great book for anybody striving to get better at any discipline. The author explains the different steps in the process of becoming an expert in any particular field. He highlights the advantage of having a genuine interests in your work/hobby (aligning your passion with your job), the value of "doing time" in the earlier stages of your development and the importance of seemingly mundane tasks that many of us perceive as a waste of time. I found the book highly motivating because it encourages us to be patient and to focus on our craftsmanship (applying passion, care and attention to detail in everything we do). "Slow and steady" is probably better than "fast but erratic" progress in the long run.
August 4, 2025
A good explanation about expertise, and how you can get it. Unsurprisingly, there are no shortcuts. Becoming an expert involves stages of development which must be completed, not only in skills but also in personal and psychological growth.
Kneebone does serve some criticism against current narrow and rapid modes of education, bemoaning what he see's as a decline. It was not convincing. This book is definately worth reading, but the overall effect would have been better without that final chapter.
Kneebone does serve some criticism against current narrow and rapid modes of education, bemoaning what he see's as a decline. It was not convincing. This book is definately worth reading, but the overall effect would have been better without that final chapter.
December 21, 2022
A brilliantly written book by Professor Kneebone!
This book came when I was feeling lowest in my learning journey - and helped me look at the bigger picture again. Kneebone has a medical background so most of his experiences were somewhat relatable but my favorite part was that in every step, he took examples from so many different fields to show that at the end of the day, we all have the similar experiences even though we decide to venture on different things.
This book came when I was feeling lowest in my learning journey - and helped me look at the bigger picture again. Kneebone has a medical background so most of his experiences were somewhat relatable but my favorite part was that in every step, he took examples from so many different fields to show that at the end of the day, we all have the similar experiences even though we decide to venture on different things.
May 26, 2023
This was going to be a three star review as I felt a lot of the concepts were overly simplified and repeated. However, the last chapter and the compassion and passion show for ourselves and others during a learning process which resonated throughout the book earned the fourth star. I really enjoyed what Kneebone has to say and found it interesting and moving. A pleasure and swift read with ideas you can ruminate on.
November 13, 2023
Voilà le livre le plus intéressant que j'ai lu cette année. Un chirurgien se demande comment un individu vit la transition de novice à expert dans son domaine professionnel. Détail très intéressant, à cause de la profession de l'auteur qui est somme toute très manuel, il compare son cheminement avec d'autres personnes aux professions tout aussi manuelles, dont un tailleur de vêtements haut de gamme pour homme. Essai qui se lit comme un roman.
January 11, 2022
Now this is a book for everyone and anyone. It’s interesting and concise and it gives you a sense of appreciation and gratitude for the work of experts, it talks you through the trials and tribulations of becoming an expert and it would surely invigorate and inspire any reader seeking the ultimate goal of mastery and enlightenment. A lovely book, thank you author!
May 22, 2022
Adored the topic before I even read it, and it was even better than I imagined. Easy enough to read, and kept interesting by the variety of masters and skills discussed, while the medical experience of Kneebone himself connected it all together. Despite the medical focus it was really easy to connect and apply it to different skills and situations in my own life.
January 8, 2023
This book was a fantastic read which kept me, as somebody who is invested in personal development, interested from the start. It doesn’t dive too far into the specifics of professions or hobbies that it loses the interest of the reader but maintains the topic at heart; the process of becoming an expert.
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November 19, 2025I love that Roger Kneebone appreciates science and the arts and their relationship to one another. And I think you have to in order to be an expert but it’s helpful to have a knowledgable person in a universally respected field directly highlight the point. This was a little repetitive at times but I enjoyed listening to it.
February 13, 2021
An engaging book on experts and why we all need them. As a surgeon and a GP the author draws on many experiences from medicine. However, through consulting with magitions, taylors, pilots and artist Kneebone shows how we can ick up highly complex skills in a way which looks effortless.5
May 6, 2021
A first time author but a really good book with good insights if you are seeking to do better than average. Different to Range or Peak this is more about the stages of the journey than the methods. The further reading list at the end adds value to the book.
January 9, 2022
Overall, a brilliant book and well worth reading! If you’re ever worried that you’re alone or not going in the right direction, this will prove that you are definitely going in the right direction and that it is indeed all worth it on the path to becoming expert!
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