Join getAbstract to access the summary!

The Art of Impossible

Join getAbstract to access the summary!

The Art of Impossible

A Peak Performance Primer

Harper Wave,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Operating at peak performance might be easier than you think – if you work with your biology, not against it.

  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

A best-selling author and one of the world’s leading experts on peak performance, Steven Kotler says achieving what seems impossible might be easier than you think – if you work with your biology, not against it. In this inspiring book, Kotler shares how evolution shapes the factors which allow humans to perform at their best and what powerful internal motivators, rooted in the brain’s neurobiology, will pull you forward no matter what. This insightful, science-backed reading will intrigue everyone who wants to live a life of extraordinary performance and purpose.

Summary

Pushing the limits of impossible is the highest and the most meaningful goal to which you can aspire.

There are things no one knew were possible before someone accomplished them: capital “I” Impossible feats. Every person also has their own personal “impossibles”: the things that you consider outside the scope of your individual capabilities and possibilities – whether that’s escaping poverty or becoming a professional artist or athlete. The highest and most fulfilling goal you can aspire to in life is to push the boundaries of your personal “impossible.” Some people who persevere in their pursuit of personal impossibles, long-term, end up pushing the boundaries of what goals humanity deems to be achievable. 

Using the term of philosopher James Carse, pushing the limits of impossible is “the infinite game,” akin to love and art. This game gives you ultimate fulfillment, despite the fact that it’s one you can’t win – the goal is just to continue playing.

Neurobiology provides the answer to the formula of impossible.

“Flow” is how you achieve the impossible. It’s a special state ...

About the Author

Steven Kotler is a New York Times best-selling author of eleven books, an award-winning journalist and the executive director of the Flow Research Collective.

Comment on this summary