The Art of Unlearning

In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn is important, but the ability to unlearn is critical. Educator Amanda Bell presents "The Art of Unlearning," a guide to cognitive flexibility. Bell argues that our biggest obstacle to growth isn‘t ignorance, but the outdated mental models and obsolete skills we cling to. Drawing on neuroplasticity research, Bell explains why unlearning is biologically harder than learning—it requires pruning established synaptic pathways. She identifies common "competence traps," where experts fail because they rely on solutions that used to work. The book covers how to unlearn bad management habits, cultural biases, and even muscle memory. Bell provides a framework for "intellectual humility" and active curiosity. She uses case studies from industries disrupted by AI to show how professionals who could let go of their "hard-earned wisdom" thrived, while rigid thinkers perished. This book is for lifelong learners who realize that to fill the cup, you must first empty it.