The art of losing control

12.29

In the great complex web of modern life, our rational minds spend every second of our conscious hours scanning the horizon for opportunities and threats. We must get ahead, win friends, influence people, attract praise and avoid blame. But why should our lives be governed only by rationalism, when we are capable of so many more states of experience? We need to find a way to escape the isolation of our egos – not simply for our wellbeing, but because our understanding of life is less rich, less profound and less rigorous without doing so.

In stock

Description

Since the Enlightenment, western culture has written off ecstatic experience as a form of mental illness. But why should rationality be considered the highest part of human nature when we are capable of so many more states of experience?

Piecing together interviews, analysis of ancient and modern philosophy, and his own eclectic encounters with the sublime, philosopher Jules Evans mounts an investigation into what we can gain from mastering the art of losing control. From Aristotle and Plato to the Bishop of London and Sister Bliss, radical jihadis to Silicon Valley transhumanists, The Art of Losing Control is a funny, life-enhancing journey that will change the way you think about how you feel.

Additional information

Weight0.217 kg
Dimensions19.8 × 12.9 × 1.9 cm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

xxvi, 267 , 8 unnumbered of plates

Language

English

Edition

Main

Dewey

152.42 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K