Learning How to Learn

Learning How to Learn examines psychological and spiritual aspects of the Sufi tradition through teaching stories, contemporary examples, and practical guidance. The book combines ancient wisdom with modern applications, presenting traditional Sufi concepts in an accessible format for Western readers. The text focuses on fundamental prerequisites for learning and development, including the proper organization of basic needs and the management of attention. Shah introduces 21 principles related to attention - a framework that has influenced modern psychological approaches, particularly the Human Givens school of therapy. Originally published in 1978, the book serves as a standalone guide while also functioning as part of Shah's broader curriculum of Sufi studies. It forms one component of what Shah described as a complete course of study, designed to continue his teaching mission after his death. This work bridges Eastern and Western approaches to human development, exploring how traditional Sufi methods of understanding can enhance modern psychological practices and personal growth techniques.

Readers note this book offers insights through teaching stories and metaphors rather than direct instruction. Many appreciate Shah's emphasis on examining how cultural conditioning affects learning patterns. Liked: - Clear explanations of Sufi teaching methods - Practical examples readers can apply - Accessible writing style for newcomers to Sufism - Stories that reveal new meanings with repeated readings Disliked: - Some found the indirect teaching approach frustrating - Several readers wanted more concrete learning techniques - A few felt the book was repetitive - Some criticized lack of academic citations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (234 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (42 reviews) Reader quote: "The stories seem simple at first but contain layers of meaning that unfold over time." - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "While insightful, the roundabout way of presenting ideas may not suit those seeking step-by-step methods." - Amazon reviewer

The Way of the Sufi by Idries Shah A comprehensive collection of Sufi teaching stories and methods that expands on the learning principles presented in Learning How to Learn.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman The book examines two modes of thought - intuitive and deliberate - and their impact on learning and decision-making processes.

The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey This text presents Eastern-influenced approaches to learning through the lens of sports performance, connecting mind-body awareness to skill development.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The book explores how habits form and change, providing frameworks for understanding learning patterns and behavioral transformation.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki A presentation of Zen Buddhist principles about learning, attention, and mindset that parallels many Sufi concepts about knowledge acquisition.

🔹 Shah's pioneering work inspired renowned psychologist Robert Ornstein, leading to groundbreaking research on the different functions of the brain's hemispheres and their role in learning. 🔹 The teaching stories used in the book have been adapted for children's education programs in over 30 countries through The Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge (ISHK). 🔹 Many of the Sufi learning principles discussed in the book were later validated by neuroscience research in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly regarding attention patterns and memory formation. 🔹 The book draws from a 1,000-year-old tradition of Persian and Central Asian teaching methods that were historically used to train both spiritual seekers and government administrators. 🔹 Several major universities, including Stanford and Harvard, have incorporated elements from Shah's work into their educational psychology courses, particularly his insights on attention management and learning readiness.