Distraction: A Philosopher's Guide To Being Free

Description

We all know what it is to be distracted-a feeling that our attention is not quite where it should be. Though it is not a new complaint, at work and at home, in our social lives and in the bedroom, our attention is often torn between one thing and another. What does it mean to be distracted, and why? In this insightful journey through the lives of philosophers, artists and great political thinkers, Damon Young shows how rewarding patient, sensitive and thoughtful attention to the world can be. He suggests that the opposite of a life of distraction is one of genuine freedom.

Damon Young is a philosopher and writer, and Honorary Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Melbourne. He has written for The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, the ABC and the BBC, and is a frequent radio guest. Damon has also published poetry and short fiction.

In his lucid and optimistic book, Damon Young encourages us to tame the distractions that are pointless, and nurture those that are good. --Financial Times This author makes 'dancing' with the philosophic and artistic masters . . . enjoyable even though one may be tone-deaf to the music and not know the steps. --Australian Bookseller + Publisher This warm and witty book does something wonderful: it brings the great ideas of philosophy into our lives. Young is a bright new voice. --John Armstrong, author, The Secret Power of Beauty Young communicates ideas with enthusiasm and a genuine emotional connection to his subjects, their triumphs and frailties. He is a talent. --The Australian