Expert: Understanding the Path to Mastery

Roger Kneebone

Aug 2020 · Penguin · Narrated by Roger Kneebone

About this audiobook

Brought to you by Penguin.

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, an expert on experts, has spent his life finding unexpected connections.

Kneebone maps out a path we're all following, whether in our career or any other part of our lives. He shows how you start by 'doing time' as an Apprentice, copying how things are already done. Then you set out on your own as a Journeyman, developing your 'voice' and taking full responsibility for your work, with its successes and inevitable failures. Finally, you become a Master, passing on your knowledge and skill to future generations. Expert explains the internal processes we all have to go through as we edge forwards.

In this groundbreaking book, Kneebone combines his own experiences as a doctor with insights from extraordinary people and cutting-edge research. He tells a story that resonates with us all - the story of how we can become expert. Whether you're developing a new career, studying a language, learning a musical instrument or simply becoming the person you want to be, Expert reveals the path to mastery and shows what lies ahead.

'Roger Kneebone is a legend' Mark Miodownik, author of Stuff Matters

'Superbly written, passionately argued and very necessary' Tim Ingold, University of Aberdeen

'The doctor stitching together medicine and art' Guardian

'If you want to do anything better, from surgery to embroidery, you can learn something from this book' Christopher Peters, Imperial College London

'Kneebone is our foremost expert on expertise. Expert is a desperately important book at a moment when we've begun to wonder just what we might still be good at' Ken Arnold, Wellcome Collection

'Whisper it quietly, but post COVID-19, there is a growing realization that experts do matter' Susan Standring, King's College London

© Roger Kneebone 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

About the author

Professor Roger Kneebone directs the Imperial College Centre for Engagement and Simulation Science and the Royal College of Music - Imperial College Centre for Performance Science. His first career was as a surgeon, operating on trauma patients in southern Africa. He then changed direction, becoming a general practitioner in southwest England. Now, as an academic at Imperial College London, he researches what experts from different fields can learn from one another. His unorthodox and creative team includes clinicians, computer scientists, musicians, magicians, potters, puppeteers, tailors and fighter pilots. This is his first book for a general readership.