Josh Kaufman

Josh Kaufman is the bestselling author of books on business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, applied psychology, and practical wisdom. About Josh Kaufman »

Essays on Practical Wisdom


On Difficulty and Persistence

There are many types of victory. Often, it takes the form of recognizing issues, addressing them with resolve, enduring hardship for as long as necessary, and persisting long enough to get to the other side. »


The Practice of Wisdom

Of all of the qualities people can develop, wisdom is potentially the most beneficial. It's also difficult human qualities to define, let alone cultivate. »


True, Useful, and Clear

If it's not true, not useful, or not clear, it's probably best to find another resource unless your purpose is entertainment. »


Schadenfreude and Mudita

It's possible to experience pleasure from two very different sources: the misfortunes – or the well-being – of other people. »


The Three Best Investments

Who needs the stock market when you have a gold mine between your ears? »


How to Ask Useful Questions

Asking useful questions is a skill, and it requires practice. »


Hacking Higher Education: Turning Online Courses into College Credits

How to save tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars on college tuition. »


Lessons From Two Unexpected Disasters

My office was almost destroyed by two separate wildfires. Here's what I learned. »


Working in Public is Weird

The majority of my work is public. It’s been an odd experience. »


The Permanent Portfolio Investing Strategy

A simple, inexpensive, easy, systematized, automated way to reap the rewards of long-term investing. »


Bulk Positive Randomness

The power of exposing yourself to as many different positive stimuli as possible. »


The Value of Apprenticeship

A formal apprenticeship has many benefits for both the apprentice and the master. »


The Craftsman’s Creed

Are you a craftsman? »


Myths and Misunderstandings about the Personal MBA

Clearing up some of the myths and misunderstandings about the Personal MBA and traditional business schools. »


5 Secrets of Limitless Personal Growth

How to improve every aspect of your life – on your own terms. »


Time is Never 'Found' for ANYTHING

What are you putting off because you 'can’t find the time'? »


How to NOT Re-Think the MBA

Re-thinking the MBA means questioning whether or not it’s necessary at all. »


School is 'Just a Formality'

Are you interested in improving your skills, or having a document hang on your wall to impress people? »


Don’t Make Predictions: Be Prepared for Anything

Anything can happen at any time, so planning for scenarios is far more useful than pretending to be a seer. »


Your Year (and Decade) in Review

Think back to where you were this time last year. What were you doing? What did you want? What was your plan? »


Hacking Higher Education, Part 3 - Mike Stankavich Case Study

Mike’s story about hacking higher education. »


Hacking Higher Education, Part 2 - Hacking Harvard

What to do if you value the status and prestige of an Ivy League degree, but don’t want to play the admissions game and pay retail prices. »


Hacking Higher Education, Part 1 - CLEP

A low-bureaucracy way to graduate with an accredited undergraduate college degree in 1 year for about $4,000. »


The Awesome Power of Screwing Around

What you learn when you're not focused on learning. »


The 4 Most Valuable Things I Learned in Business School

People often ask me if I have an MBA. 'No,' I reply, 'but I did go to business school.' »


The Nefarious Hidden Costs of Debt

The problem with debt is that it creates huge invisible opportunity costs. »


How to Get a Valuable Education Without Mortgaging Your Life

Education is great, but education with freedom is even better. »


How to Handle Business Book Narcissism

What do you do when you realize you can’t stand an author’s personality? »


Planning Lessons From Peter Drucker

What will you focus on this year? »


Need more time to read? Get rid of your TV.

The biggest cost of TV is the opportunity cost of time that could be put to better use. »