"The modern world can be viewed as an enormous conspiracy against mastery. We are bombarded with promises of fast, temporary relief, immediate gratification, and instant success, all of which lead in exactly the wrong direction.”
"“The reason many adults are unable to learn new skills] is because they have allowed themselves to fall prey to that old archenemy of mastery: excessive goal orientation. The typical adult in our culture, as I’ve suggested before, is constantly looking ahead. Is impatient for significant results and is unwilling to appear foolish or to make mistakes. The typical young person, on the other hand, is more sensuous, more in the moment and less concerned about appearances or results.
In any case, age isn’t the most important variable in the equation of mastery. Attitude is. If you’re in fairly good shape and are willing to approach a sport with a child’s openness and sense of wonder along with a determination to stay on the path, you can start at any age.”