Solitude
In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cornerstone
Published:1st Mar '18
Should be back in stock very soon
This insightful book examines the importance of solitude in today's hyper-connected world, revealing why being alone is essential for personal growth and creativity.
In Solitude, the author explores the diminishing experience of being alone in a world that increasingly values connectivity. As society leans heavily into sharing, the essence of solitude is often overlooked. This book argues that solitude is not just a luxury but a necessity that fosters clarity and creativity in our lives, offering insights into why we need to reclaim this experience now more than ever.
The narrative draws on contemporary neuroscience to illustrate how modern technologies, from social media to navigation apps, are reshaping our behavior and eroding our ability to enjoy solitary moments. Through compelling anecdotes of historical figures, including innovative computer scientists and literary giants, the author highlights the unexpected ways in which these individuals found solace and inspiration in solitude. Their stories serve as a reminder of the profound benefits that can arise from spending time alone.
Solitude is both urgent and eloquent, inviting readers to reconsider their relationship with being alone. It posits that solitude can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, making it a vital aspect of the human experience. This book encourages a much-needed conversation about the importance of solitude in our hyper-connected lives, ultimately aiming to shift the reader's perspective on solitude and its significance.
The leading thinker about technology’s corrupting influence on our collective psyche. * Newsweek *
An elegant, thoughtful book . . . beautifully expresses the importance and experience of liberation from the battery-hen life of constant connection and crowds. * Daily Mail *
A compelling study of the subtle ways in which modern life and technologies have transformed our behaviour and sense of self . . . The strength of Harris’s argument lies in his showing how seemingly harmless new technologies insidiously influence our ways of being . . . Harris proposes ways in which we can discover ourselves within an increasingly digitally connected world. * Times Literary Supplement *
I came away from this book a better human being. Michael Harris’s take on existence is calm, unique, and makes one's soul feel good yet never once does he rely on feel-good techniques. -- Douglas Coupland
A timely, eloquent provocation to daydream and wander. -- Nathan Filer, author of THE SHOCK OF THE FALL
A poetic, contemplative journey into the benefits of solo sojourning. The book – which weaves together personal anecdotes and fascinating research – makes a convincing argument for stepping away from the crowd (and your even more crowded phone) and scheduling some soul-resetting me time. * ELLE *
Harris's book isn’t preachy; rather, it recasts small lifestyle changes as part of a struggle to regain that sense of self . . . It speaks to a long overdue conversation we still haven't properly had in our society. * VICE *
Harris has an intuition that being alone with ourselves, paying attention to inner silence and being able to experience outer silence, is an essential part of being human . . . Thick with fact and argument and some fine writing. -- Paul Kingsnorth * New Statesman *
An insightful, lively meditation on why this increasingly scarce component of our lives should be preserved. * Globe and Mail *
Elegant, accessible and often hilarious. * Chicago Tribune *
Harris is always an engaging writer, easy to read and capable of expressing his arguments in memorable and helpful ways. * Quill & Quire *
ISBN: 9781847947666
Dimensions: 197mm x 128mm x 17mm
Weight: 194g
272 pages