‘The Knowledge’

Jody Rosen has a wonderful long-form look at ‘The Knowledge’ (the test taken by London Black Cab drivers to show they have memorised the streets and points of interest in London) over on The New York Times. The first paragraph sells it perfectly, and the rest of the article does not disappoint. A great topic and great writing as well:

The examination to become a London cabby is possibly the most difficult test in the world — demanding years of study to memorize the labyrinthine city’s 25,000 streets and any business or landmark on them. As GPS and Uber imperil this tradition, is there an argument for learning as an end in itself?