Is everyone able to master a foreign language? What is the best language to learn? Are there evidence-based methods to facilitate language acquisition? At what age should you teach your child the language?These and many other questions are of interest to every cultured person. In search of an answer to them, the reader will have a chance to delve into dusty tomes telling about the fascinating history of polyglots, look into the laboratories of psycholinguists who reveal the secrets of multilingualism, talk with people of various professions and ages who devote their free time to learning languages. In conclusion, practical recommendations are given for those who wish to master the language on their own and in a short time.The book is based on many years of work by the polyglot author, a member of the Pedagogical Society of the RSFSR, and is intended for a wide range of readers.