Author: Roland Minton
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421403153
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
How do the world’s greatest golfers improve their game? Practice, sure, but Roland Minton says mathematics and statistics are also key to their success. Golf by the Numbers analyzes the mathematical strategies behind the sport, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how numbers drive the game. Computers, GPS trackers, swing simulators, and high-speed cameras have introduced new and exciting ways of seeing and understanding the complicated and endlessly fascinating game of golf. Players like Phil Mickelson are so good because they review the results of every swing they take. Minton’s comprehensive analysis of statistics taken from the PGA Tour’s ShotLink system walks readers through the mountains of data that pros use to inform and refine their play. The result is an insider’s perspective of how the world’s greatest golfers apply mathematics to the sport. Minton discusses randomness in golf (especially how much luck is involved in putting) as well as aggressive and cautious strategies both on and off the greens, and he explains, by the numbers, just how Tiger Woods was so dominant from 2004 to 2009. Here is a book that tells some truly engaging stories of modern golf, featuring famous players and memorable tournaments, all through the lens of elementary probability theory. Minton’s informal style and clear and direct explanations make even the most detailed discussions accessible to all curious-minded golfers. His mathematical morsels are not only enjoyable to read—they may even help you improve your game.
Golf by the Numbers
Author: Roland Minton
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421403153
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
How do the world’s greatest golfers improve their game? Practice, sure, but Roland Minton says mathematics and statistics are also key to their success. Golf by the Numbers analyzes the mathematical strategies behind the sport, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how numbers drive the game. Computers, GPS trackers, swing simulators, and high-speed cameras have introduced new and exciting ways of seeing and understanding the complicated and endlessly fascinating game of golf. Players like Phil Mickelson are so good because they review the results of every swing they take. Minton’s comprehensive analysis of statistics taken from the PGA Tour’s ShotLink system walks readers through the mountains of data that pros use to inform and refine their play. The result is an insider’s perspective of how the world’s greatest golfers apply mathematics to the sport. Minton discusses randomness in golf (especially how much luck is involved in putting) as well as aggressive and cautious strategies both on and off the greens, and he explains, by the numbers, just how Tiger Woods was so dominant from 2004 to 2009. Here is a book that tells some truly engaging stories of modern golf, featuring famous players and memorable tournaments, all through the lens of elementary probability theory. Minton’s informal style and clear and direct explanations make even the most detailed discussions accessible to all curious-minded golfers. His mathematical morsels are not only enjoyable to read—they may even help you improve your game.
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421403153
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
How do the world’s greatest golfers improve their game? Practice, sure, but Roland Minton says mathematics and statistics are also key to their success. Golf by the Numbers analyzes the mathematical strategies behind the sport, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how numbers drive the game. Computers, GPS trackers, swing simulators, and high-speed cameras have introduced new and exciting ways of seeing and understanding the complicated and endlessly fascinating game of golf. Players like Phil Mickelson are so good because they review the results of every swing they take. Minton’s comprehensive analysis of statistics taken from the PGA Tour’s ShotLink system walks readers through the mountains of data that pros use to inform and refine their play. The result is an insider’s perspective of how the world’s greatest golfers apply mathematics to the sport. Minton discusses randomness in golf (especially how much luck is involved in putting) as well as aggressive and cautious strategies both on and off the greens, and he explains, by the numbers, just how Tiger Woods was so dominant from 2004 to 2009. Here is a book that tells some truly engaging stories of modern golf, featuring famous players and memorable tournaments, all through the lens of elementary probability theory. Minton’s informal style and clear and direct explanations make even the most detailed discussions accessible to all curious-minded golfers. His mathematical morsels are not only enjoyable to read—they may even help you improve your game.
Big Time Golf
Author: LeRoy Neiman
Publisher: ABRAMS
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
America's most popular sports artist turns his attention to one of America's favorite and fastest-growing sports. In lively, colorful paintings and sketches, Neiman introduces us to golf legends, pioneers, and starts of the 1980s and 1990s--both on and off the green. 192 illustrations, including 167 in full color.
Publisher: ABRAMS
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
America's most popular sports artist turns his attention to one of America's favorite and fastest-growing sports. In lively, colorful paintings and sketches, Neiman introduces us to golf legends, pioneers, and starts of the 1980s and 1990s--both on and off the green. 192 illustrations, including 167 in full color.
Count on Golf
Author: Susan Greene
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780965110099
Category : Counting
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Jimmy, the golfing bear, counts his equipment as he prepares to play in a golf tournament.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780965110099
Category : Counting
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Jimmy, the golfing bear, counts his equipment as he prepares to play in a golf tournament.
Every Shot Counts
Author: Mark Broadie
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0698138597
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
Columbia Business School professor Mark Broadie’s paradigm-shifting approach that uses statistics and golf analytics to transform the game. Mark Broadie is at the forefront of a revolutionary new approach to the game of golf. What does it take to drop ten strokes from your golf score? What part of Tiger Woods’ game makes him a winner? Traditional golf stats can't answer these questions. Broadie, a professor at Columbia Business School, helped the PGA Tour develop its cutting-edge strokes gained putting stat. In this eye-opening new book, Broadie uses analytics from the financial world to uncover the secrets of the game of golf. He crunches mountains of data to show both professional and amateur golfers how to make better decisions on the course. This eagerly awaited resource is for any player who wants to understand the pros, improve golf skills, and make every shot count.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0698138597
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
Columbia Business School professor Mark Broadie’s paradigm-shifting approach that uses statistics and golf analytics to transform the game. Mark Broadie is at the forefront of a revolutionary new approach to the game of golf. What does it take to drop ten strokes from your golf score? What part of Tiger Woods’ game makes him a winner? Traditional golf stats can't answer these questions. Broadie, a professor at Columbia Business School, helped the PGA Tour develop its cutting-edge strokes gained putting stat. In this eye-opening new book, Broadie uses analytics from the financial world to uncover the secrets of the game of golf. He crunches mountains of data to show both professional and amateur golfers how to make better decisions on the course. This eagerly awaited resource is for any player who wants to understand the pros, improve golf skills, and make every shot count.
A Course Called America
Author: Tom Coyne
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982128070
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Globe-trotting golfer Tom Coyne has finally come home. And he’s ready to play all of it. After playing hundreds of courses overseas in the birthplace of golf, Coyne, the bestselling author of A Course Called Ireland and A Course Called Scotland, returns to his own birthplace and delivers a “heartfelt, rollicking ode to golf…[as he] describes playing golf in every state of the union, including Alaska: 295 courses, 5,182 holes, 1.7 million total yards” (The Wall Street Journal). In the span of one unforgettable year, Coyne crisscrosses the country in search of its greatest golf experience, playing every course to ever host a US Open, along with more than two hundred hidden gems and heavyweights, visiting all fifty states to find a better understanding of his home country and countrymen. Coyne’s journey begins where the US Open and US Amateur got their start, historic Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. As he travels from the oldest and most elite of links to the newest and most democratic, Coyne finagles his way onto coveted first tees (Shinnecock, Oakmont, Chicago GC) between rounds at off-the-map revelations, like ranch golf in Eastern Oregon and homemade golf in the Navajo Nation. He marvels at the golf miracle hidden in the sand hills of Nebraska and plays an unforgettable midnight game under bright sunshine on the summer solstice in Fairbanks, Alaska. More than just a tour of the best golf the United States has to offer, Coyne’s quest connects him with hundreds of American golfers, each from a different background but all with one thing in common: pride in welcoming Coyne to their course. Trading stories and swing tips with caddies, pros, and golf buddies for the day, Coyne adopts the wisdom of one of his hosts in Minnesota: the best courses are the ones you play with the best people. But, in the end, only one stop on Coyne’s journey can be ranked the Great American Golf Course. Throughout his travels, he invites golfers to debate and help shape his criteria for judging the quintessential American course. Should it be charmingly traditional or daringly experimental? An architectural showpiece or a natural wonder? Countless conversations and gut instinct lead him to seek out a course that feels bold and idealistic, welcoming yet imperfect, with a little revolutionary spirit and a damn good hot dog at the turn. He discovers his long-awaited answer in the most unlikely of places. Packed with fascinating tales from American golf history, comic road misadventures, illuminating insights into course design, and many a memorable round with local golfers and celebrity guests alike, A Course Called America is “a delightful, entertaining book even nongolfers can enjoy” (Kirkus Reviews).
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982128070
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Globe-trotting golfer Tom Coyne has finally come home. And he’s ready to play all of it. After playing hundreds of courses overseas in the birthplace of golf, Coyne, the bestselling author of A Course Called Ireland and A Course Called Scotland, returns to his own birthplace and delivers a “heartfelt, rollicking ode to golf…[as he] describes playing golf in every state of the union, including Alaska: 295 courses, 5,182 holes, 1.7 million total yards” (The Wall Street Journal). In the span of one unforgettable year, Coyne crisscrosses the country in search of its greatest golf experience, playing every course to ever host a US Open, along with more than two hundred hidden gems and heavyweights, visiting all fifty states to find a better understanding of his home country and countrymen. Coyne’s journey begins where the US Open and US Amateur got their start, historic Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. As he travels from the oldest and most elite of links to the newest and most democratic, Coyne finagles his way onto coveted first tees (Shinnecock, Oakmont, Chicago GC) between rounds at off-the-map revelations, like ranch golf in Eastern Oregon and homemade golf in the Navajo Nation. He marvels at the golf miracle hidden in the sand hills of Nebraska and plays an unforgettable midnight game under bright sunshine on the summer solstice in Fairbanks, Alaska. More than just a tour of the best golf the United States has to offer, Coyne’s quest connects him with hundreds of American golfers, each from a different background but all with one thing in common: pride in welcoming Coyne to their course. Trading stories and swing tips with caddies, pros, and golf buddies for the day, Coyne adopts the wisdom of one of his hosts in Minnesota: the best courses are the ones you play with the best people. But, in the end, only one stop on Coyne’s journey can be ranked the Great American Golf Course. Throughout his travels, he invites golfers to debate and help shape his criteria for judging the quintessential American course. Should it be charmingly traditional or daringly experimental? An architectural showpiece or a natural wonder? Countless conversations and gut instinct lead him to seek out a course that feels bold and idealistic, welcoming yet imperfect, with a little revolutionary spirit and a damn good hot dog at the turn. He discovers his long-awaited answer in the most unlikely of places. Packed with fascinating tales from American golf history, comic road misadventures, illuminating insights into course design, and many a memorable round with local golfers and celebrity guests alike, A Course Called America is “a delightful, entertaining book even nongolfers can enjoy” (Kirkus Reviews).
Hooked: An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland
Author: Kevin Markham
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 1848898339
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 759
Book Description
What makes playing a golf course a great experience? Kevin Markham travelled 6,800 miles in a 20-year-old camper van, walked 2,100 miles, lost countless balls, and wore out three pairs of golf shoes to find out. He played and rated every 18-hole course - all 350 of them. The result is the most comprehensive, best-researched guide to Irish golfs, from expensive, well-known courses to affordable little gems. Kevin assesses each course in a detailed review and from a novel perspective, rating the golfing experience using the same criteria for all courses. Courses are ranked out of 100, across 8 criteria, such as design, appeal and value for money. This concise, detailed book is for golfing tourists looking for great value courses; for golfing societies that want to go beyond their local area; and for Irish golfers searching for excellent but unsung courses in Ireland. Written from an amateur's perspective, reviews focus on the energy and excitement of playing each course to give a true representation of the golf experience, and provides all the information necessary to book your round.
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 1848898339
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 759
Book Description
What makes playing a golf course a great experience? Kevin Markham travelled 6,800 miles in a 20-year-old camper van, walked 2,100 miles, lost countless balls, and wore out three pairs of golf shoes to find out. He played and rated every 18-hole course - all 350 of them. The result is the most comprehensive, best-researched guide to Irish golfs, from expensive, well-known courses to affordable little gems. Kevin assesses each course in a detailed review and from a novel perspective, rating the golfing experience using the same criteria for all courses. Courses are ranked out of 100, across 8 criteria, such as design, appeal and value for money. This concise, detailed book is for golfing tourists looking for great value courses; for golfing societies that want to go beyond their local area; and for Irish golfers searching for excellent but unsung courses in Ireland. Written from an amateur's perspective, reviews focus on the energy and excitement of playing each course to give a true representation of the golf experience, and provides all the information necessary to book your round.
The Hole Truth
Author: Bill Felber
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
ISBN: 1496206541
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 327
Book Description
Ever wonder whether Tiger Woods in his prime would have beaten Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, or Jack Nicklaus in their primes? And could any of them have beaten Babe Zaharias? Obviously, if Bobby Jones were returned to life and health and then given his old hickory-shafted mashie, persimmon-headed driver, and rubber-core ball in a match against Jordan Spieth, the outcome would be foreordained. But what if the impact of the training, equipment, courses, and traveling conditions could be neutralized in order to create a measurement? Now for the first time, questions are answered about the relative abilities of the greatest players in the history of professional golf. In The Hole Truth Bill Felber provides a relativistic approach for evaluating and comparing the performance of golfers while acknowledging the game’s changing nature. The Hole Truth analyzes the performances of players relative to their peers, creating an index of exceptionality that automatically factors the changing nature of the game through time. That index is based on the standard deviation of the performances of players in golf’s recognized major championships dating back to 1860. More than two hundred players are rated in comparison with one another, more than sixty of them in detail with profiles providing context on their ranking. For the dedicated golf fan, The Hole Truth is an engaging way to see in the numbers where their favorite golfers rank across eras and where current players like Rory McIlroy and Inbee Park compare to the game’s greats.
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
ISBN: 1496206541
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 327
Book Description
Ever wonder whether Tiger Woods in his prime would have beaten Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, or Jack Nicklaus in their primes? And could any of them have beaten Babe Zaharias? Obviously, if Bobby Jones were returned to life and health and then given his old hickory-shafted mashie, persimmon-headed driver, and rubber-core ball in a match against Jordan Spieth, the outcome would be foreordained. But what if the impact of the training, equipment, courses, and traveling conditions could be neutralized in order to create a measurement? Now for the first time, questions are answered about the relative abilities of the greatest players in the history of professional golf. In The Hole Truth Bill Felber provides a relativistic approach for evaluating and comparing the performance of golfers while acknowledging the game’s changing nature. The Hole Truth analyzes the performances of players relative to their peers, creating an index of exceptionality that automatically factors the changing nature of the game through time. That index is based on the standard deviation of the performances of players in golf’s recognized major championships dating back to 1860. More than two hundred players are rated in comparison with one another, more than sixty of them in detail with profiles providing context on their ranking. For the dedicated golf fan, The Hole Truth is an engaging way to see in the numbers where their favorite golfers rank across eras and where current players like Rory McIlroy and Inbee Park compare to the game’s greats.
The Walter Hagen Story by The Haig, Himself
Author: Walter Hagen
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1789122317
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
“I never wanted to be a millionaire—I just wanted to live like one...”—Walter Hagen THIS IS Walter Hagen’s own story of the two decades when he ruled the golfing world as King. Hagen not only won a major tournament every year for twenty years—a record never even approached by any other golfer—but his personality dominated the game over that period. Before he came along, professional golfers had the status of hired hands. The Haig was the man who crashed the front door of the clubhouses, and he brought along with him the entire fraternity of golf professionals. He was a magnificent showman and, in addition to changing the social standing of the golf pro, his competitive skill and flamboyant character built up public in interest in golf throughout the world. The result was perhaps best expressed in Gene Sarazen’s own memoirs when he said, “All the professionals who have a chance to go after the big money today should say silent thanks to Walter Hagen each time they stretch a check between their fingers. It was Walter Hagen who made professional golf what it is.” The picture of sartorial elegance, he became the fashion plate that others copied for years. He was the honoured guest of emperors and the tutor and personal friend of the young Edward, then Prince of Wales. An idol both at home and abroad (he won the U.S. Open twice, made the P.G.A. Championship almost his exclusive personal property through the twenties, and won the British Open four times), he toured the world with Joe Kirkwood as the most outstanding ambassador of good will that golf ever produced. All this and much more is set down in this book in a style which has the same swashbuckling flavour as characterized his long playing career.
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1789122317
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
“I never wanted to be a millionaire—I just wanted to live like one...”—Walter Hagen THIS IS Walter Hagen’s own story of the two decades when he ruled the golfing world as King. Hagen not only won a major tournament every year for twenty years—a record never even approached by any other golfer—but his personality dominated the game over that period. Before he came along, professional golfers had the status of hired hands. The Haig was the man who crashed the front door of the clubhouses, and he brought along with him the entire fraternity of golf professionals. He was a magnificent showman and, in addition to changing the social standing of the golf pro, his competitive skill and flamboyant character built up public in interest in golf throughout the world. The result was perhaps best expressed in Gene Sarazen’s own memoirs when he said, “All the professionals who have a chance to go after the big money today should say silent thanks to Walter Hagen each time they stretch a check between their fingers. It was Walter Hagen who made professional golf what it is.” The picture of sartorial elegance, he became the fashion plate that others copied for years. He was the honoured guest of emperors and the tutor and personal friend of the young Edward, then Prince of Wales. An idol both at home and abroad (he won the U.S. Open twice, made the P.G.A. Championship almost his exclusive personal property through the twenties, and won the British Open four times), he toured the world with Joe Kirkwood as the most outstanding ambassador of good will that golf ever produced. All this and much more is set down in this book in a style which has the same swashbuckling flavour as characterized his long playing career.
Golf, as it was in the Beginning
Author: Michael John Fay
Publisher: Universe Publishing(NY)
ISBN: 9780789306838
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Who among golfers does not dream of one day playing the great windswept and gorse-filled seaside courses of the British Open-those seemingly natural and subtle but magnificently challenging courses, where even Tiger Woods can become a cropper? Who does not dream of teeing off the hallowed greens of Prestwick or Royal St. Georges, playing such famous holes as numbers 2 and 11 (Dyke and High) at St. Andrews? For all who love the game, author Michael Fay, in the tradition of his first book Golf, As It Was Meant to Be Played, provides this unparalleled opportunity to walk through eighteen holes, each epitomizing a particular challenge, from the courses that have been used for the British Open. These are the holes that define the links game and symbolize the way the sport is best played. A golfing purist, with enormous respect for courses that present a strict but fair balance of risk and reward, Michael Fay discusses each course's rich history and offers practical advice and inspiration for players at all skill levels. Having played and carefully studied each course, many of which are inaccessible to the general public, Fay includes informed, helpful advice about precisely what makes these holes so special, as well as complete walkthroughs of how players might best approach each hole. With a unique historical and professional perspective, Fay offers lively coverage of every course and gives detailed explanations of why each has been considered worthy of inclusion in the British Open-and has achieved such legendary status. In addition, Fay, who leads tours of British courses, offers invaluable assistance for the golfer planning to make a pilgrimage to the country where golf began. Anappendix is also included that contains an informative year by year history of the British Open. Supplementing the text is a wealth of newly commissioned photographs by Michael Freeman.
Publisher: Universe Publishing(NY)
ISBN: 9780789306838
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Who among golfers does not dream of one day playing the great windswept and gorse-filled seaside courses of the British Open-those seemingly natural and subtle but magnificently challenging courses, where even Tiger Woods can become a cropper? Who does not dream of teeing off the hallowed greens of Prestwick or Royal St. Georges, playing such famous holes as numbers 2 and 11 (Dyke and High) at St. Andrews? For all who love the game, author Michael Fay, in the tradition of his first book Golf, As It Was Meant to Be Played, provides this unparalleled opportunity to walk through eighteen holes, each epitomizing a particular challenge, from the courses that have been used for the British Open. These are the holes that define the links game and symbolize the way the sport is best played. A golfing purist, with enormous respect for courses that present a strict but fair balance of risk and reward, Michael Fay discusses each course's rich history and offers practical advice and inspiration for players at all skill levels. Having played and carefully studied each course, many of which are inaccessible to the general public, Fay includes informed, helpful advice about precisely what makes these holes so special, as well as complete walkthroughs of how players might best approach each hole. With a unique historical and professional perspective, Fay offers lively coverage of every course and gives detailed explanations of why each has been considered worthy of inclusion in the British Open-and has achieved such legendary status. In addition, Fay, who leads tours of British courses, offers invaluable assistance for the golfer planning to make a pilgrimage to the country where golf began. Anappendix is also included that contains an informative year by year history of the British Open. Supplementing the text is a wealth of newly commissioned photographs by Michael Freeman.
Mental Toughness Training for Golf
Author: Dr. Rob Bell
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1449061907
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 134
Book Description
“Dr. Bell’s book does a terrific job at breaking down the tools you need and to practice to become a mentally tough competitor.” –John Dal Corobbo- 2009 Indiana PGA Teacher of the Year " Mental Toughness Training for Golf is an excellent resource for coaches and players of all levels. Dr. Bell has done an excellent job compiling diverse and practical philosophies with a proven track record of success. Mental toughness and effective training is the final frontier of coaching our sport." -O.D. Vincent- 1999 National Coach of the Year " Dr. Rob has developed a road map for success. He has helped me numerous times and is very insightful about what it takes for every player to reach their full potential." -Mark Guhne- Three Time Southern Conference Coach of the Year “The practice ideas and tournament mental processes that Dr. Rob Bell reveals in this book are incredibly valuable to a player, coach, or parent. A "must read,” for anyone looking to develop mental toughness.” –Randy Wylie- Golf Digest “Best Teachers in State” Mental Toughness Training for Golf illustrates how to maximize our preparation. In this cutting edge book, you'll learn how great coaches and players create pressure in practice, how to build a human taproot, why suffering is needed, and the don'ts of mental toughness.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1449061907
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 134
Book Description
“Dr. Bell’s book does a terrific job at breaking down the tools you need and to practice to become a mentally tough competitor.” –John Dal Corobbo- 2009 Indiana PGA Teacher of the Year " Mental Toughness Training for Golf is an excellent resource for coaches and players of all levels. Dr. Bell has done an excellent job compiling diverse and practical philosophies with a proven track record of success. Mental toughness and effective training is the final frontier of coaching our sport." -O.D. Vincent- 1999 National Coach of the Year " Dr. Rob has developed a road map for success. He has helped me numerous times and is very insightful about what it takes for every player to reach their full potential." -Mark Guhne- Three Time Southern Conference Coach of the Year “The practice ideas and tournament mental processes that Dr. Rob Bell reveals in this book are incredibly valuable to a player, coach, or parent. A "must read,” for anyone looking to develop mental toughness.” –Randy Wylie- Golf Digest “Best Teachers in State” Mental Toughness Training for Golf illustrates how to maximize our preparation. In this cutting edge book, you'll learn how great coaches and players create pressure in practice, how to build a human taproot, why suffering is needed, and the don'ts of mental toughness.