On Reflection
Looking for Life's Meaning
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Canongate Books
Published:1st Aug '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This collection of essays invites introspection on life's biggest questions. On Reflection encourages readers to explore themes of love, creativity, and societal healing.
In On Reflection, Richard Holloway presents a thought-provoking collection of essays that delve into the complexities of art, faith, and the human experience. Through his reflections, he grapples with profound questions that have influenced his own life journey. Holloway explores themes such as the existence of God, the nature of forgiveness, the origins of creativity, and the inevitability of loss and death. Each essay serves as a meditation on how to live a meaningful life while finding beauty in the world around us.
The author enriches his insights by drawing on the wisdom of various poets, writers, musicians, and artists, creating a tapestry of thoughts that guide readers through life's challenges. Holloway emphasizes that to 'reflect on' can also mean to evolve one's perspective, highlighting the importance of adaptability in our lives. This leads to further inquiries about societal progress, healing divisions, and fostering a better world.
With eloquent prose and a tone that balances care and joy, On Reflection is not just a collection of essays but an invitation to engage with life's most pressing questions. Holloway's reflections suggest that a good life is one that is rooted in love and informed by knowledge, encouraging readers to embark on their own journeys of introspection and understanding.
[Richard Holloway] is widely regarded as a formative voice in rethinking Christianity. Now, in his ninetieth year and encouragingly as sharp as ever, he looks back over the questions that have tested and haunted him throughout his life. Whether familiar with his ideas or not, this book is well worth reading * * Progressive Voices * *
Praise for Richard Holloway: 'Reading Holloway is like taking a long walk in the countryside - afterwards, you understand the world better, you feel less lonely -- ELIF SHAFAK * * Guardian * *
Open-hearted and wide-minded . . . Holloway's commentarywill indubitably bring a crumb of comfort to many readers * * Scotsman * *
Elegant, elegiac and thought-provoking * * Observer * *
Thoughtful, playful, courageous and deeply altruistic . . . a fine companion for anyone who wishes to live a life of any depth -- A.L. KENNEDY
If every priest and imam, every MP and CEO, every person like you and me read this, then the world would be a better place. It is devastatingly humane. It blends science, philosophy and religion and admits the art (and artifice) in these avowedly objective forms. Erudition and empathy; I wept -- DAMIAN BARR
Holloway writes with passion and honesty at all times, and the result is compelling * * Guardian * *
Wonderful, wise, compassionate and befriending -- KATHRYN MANNIX
Engaging and uplifting. . . . this personal, scientific and philosophical journey to explore what might be the answers to the world's biggest questions is both playful and inspiring . . . The richness of this book challenged the short space of a review * * Daily Mail * *
Thought-provoking, revelatory, grave and comforting. It is impossible not to be moved by it in the most profound way -- ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
ISBN: 9781805302919
Dimensions: 220mm x 141mm x 28mm
Weight: 365g
256 pages
Main