Sara Maitland

IN THIS AGE OF CONSTANT CONNECTIVITY, LEARN HOW TO ENJOY SOLITUDE AND FIND HAPPINESS WITHOUT OTHERS. Our fast-paced society does not approve of solitude; being alone is antisocial and some even find it sinister. Why is this so when autonomy, personal freedom, and individualism are more highly prized than ever before? In How to Be Alone, Sara Maitland answers this question by exploring changing attitudes throughout history. Offering experiments and strategies for overturning our fear of solitude, she helps us practice it without anxiety and encourages us to see the benefits of spending time by ourselves. By indulging in the experience of being alone, we can be inspired to find our own rewards and ultimately lead more enriched, fuller lives.

How to Be Alone

In How to Be Alone, Sara Maitland asks how we have arrived in a culture that values individualism, personal autonomy, independence and fulfilment higher than ever before in human history - but at the same time is terrified of solitude. Delving in to history to answer this question, she examines our changing culture through the ages and asks why and how we have periodically praised and then feared the practice of being alone, and those who seek it. In this thought-provoking and practical book, Sara offers real ideas for finding and enjoying solitude in our modern age. She addresses the instant reflex reaction we can sometimes feel when faced with those who choose to be alone and helps us tackle our fear so we can embrace time alone ourselves.

Annika Arguemore

The first half is an insightful look onto why society has come to rebuke lonesomeness. The other half is a handbook on how to overcome the pre-programmed cognition of being alone. While I agree with most of it, there were also a couple of points in the second half of the book there that I did not agree with or that I found troublesome to hear. Perhaps it's because it was written at a time where you could get away with saying such things unlike now where one has to always be politically correct (which is the tone of voice that I've come to know and look for in any sort of writing I come across). Anyway, it was a breezy read, and a nice introduction into The School of Life series.

Lance Willett

Insightful and poignant look at solitude and its benefits. I found it inspiring even if all the situations described don't apply to my life or surroundings. It fits well with this entire series of books in building a framework for each aspect of a balanced and whole life, encouraging analysis, reflection, and self-understanding.

Hat tip: Alister.

How to Be Alone

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