Map Meets Territory: Debugging Your Life With General Semantics

What if one class could change the way you think, solve problems, and communicate—forever?

Every year, I teach a class on the most life-changing idea I discovered that year, called Critical Path.

This year, we're covering the work of Alfred Korzybski.

In 1933 Korzybski created some tools for thinking that he hoped would change the world.

Tools to help you think more clearly;

Communicate more effectively;

Solve problems more quickly;

In short, tools to make the world a better place for you and everyone in your life.

I want to teach you those tools.

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a loop—misunderstood, stressed, or just unable to see the best path forward?

Korzybski believed that most of us live with a hidden blind spot that keeps us trapped in unnecessary frustration.

Korzybski was the one who coined the famous phrase "The map is not the territory." But he was a practical man: he didn't want to just point at the problem, he wanted to do something about it. He wanted to help us make better maps.

So he created a set of tools: simple, straight-forward methods anyone could use to see the world more clearly, communicate more effectively, and live a happier life.

Korzybski’s tools shaped the ideas of some of the greatest thinkers and storytellers of our time—from Zen philosopher Alan Watts to William S. Burroughs and the creator of Dune.

But...the tools were hidden away at the very end of his 900+ page magnum opus, Science and Sanity. Very few people have ever seen them.

Now I want to teach YOU those exact same tools and help you use them in your daily life.

What is this, exactly?

3 recorded lectures, delivered over Zoom with a group of fun, cool people. Plus, practice exercises and recommended resources for those who want to go further. It's a curated exploration of Korbyszki's best and most useful ideas

This class is designed for everyone.

Did I mention it's fun? It's fun.

But don't take it from me - check out what past students have said below. Then click the darn button and sign up already!

Testimonials for The Art of Mastery

"This course is like "how to be creative" and "how to get maximum out of your work" all in one package. Also, it tells you how to do it in user friendly, step by step guide. This concept will change a lot of peoples lives!" - Michał Kowarski

"This was a defining thing at this point in my life. Thanks sincerely for taking the chance to again go through with your passion The effect is likely even more profound than I already appreciate though that might be a good thing meaning I'm speed racing with the momentum. More importantly I'm already seeing the ripple effect it's having with others." - Terry Chiu

"The Art of Mastery opened up a whole new world to me. Dan is extremely articulate in how he presents the course, how to use it, and what you can get out of it. I am always open to learning more and this is a great place to start. Highly recommended" - Gail Colins

"I loved this course - it has changed my outlook on so many things, not least of all learning, work and patience. It launched the creation of a new routine for me, mid-quarantine, that has changed my quality of life significantly. Dan covers a lot of bases - good philosophical discussions about what "mastery" means, followed by physical demonstrations of the process. It is not complicated, but it is very insightful. If you're interested in increasing the capacity or figurative "RAM" of your creative or learning process (I came away believing these do not have to be separate), check this course out." - Martine Balcaen

"Dan's Mastery program has been an incredibly insightful set of videos which have allowed me to get to know myself better through my writing.
The Art of Mastery has helped me understand, among other things, how to engage in networked note taking, convex tinkering, and understanding the difference between T-Learning and I-Learning. In less capable hands, these are terms that would have quickly overwhelmed me, but Dan easily breaks down what these different terms mean and makes them easy to understand." - Nathan Eshelman

Testimonials for The Difference Engine

"The Difference Engine exercise that I discovered in the Secret Society showed me a deep, emotional issue that was interfering with my success. 

Understanding what the real goals are and what is keeping me from them was a huge step in the right direction."

"This course was phenomenal...a balance between planned structure and extemporaneous discussion that was ideal for me. "

"I've found Dan's streamlined writing and sharing of ideas that he's found useful has helped me to learn so much more about myself, my ideals, and giving me so much more drive and laser focus on what my goals really ARE in this world."

"For a long time I've been hung up on things I think I'm lacking in my day-to-day life, and I feel like they stop me looking to the future. 

Through The Difference Engine seminars, I've been able to recognized that for the most part these hang-ups aren't really issues at all. They don't factor into my 'perfect day', five years from now. 

This really hit home hard, and it's helped me break through and start to look at what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how I can get there."

"Dan's ideas incorporate a holistic approach to happiness and "success" and it's so clear to see that conveyed in the diverse, creative, engaged, and passionate group of people who make up the group."

"The Difference Engine course allowed me to look at the the events and goals in my life that I've looked at over and over with a more transparent lens . One that took failure and pessimism into the algorithm rather than trying to avoid them. "

"It's helped me learn to stop fighting myself, to recognize that both my strengths and my weaknesses are central parts of who I am, and to build the framework for a life that makes room for all of me. 

This feels like a major step toward accomplishing my goals and achieving success. But more importantly, it feels like a major step toward toward learning to love and accept myself for who I really am."