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floriankogler's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
ovenbird_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I very appropriately enjoyed this book while sitting alone on my balcony in the mornings while my daughter napped. It really prompted me to think about the importance of being alone, for me and for my kids. My baby seems to have a natural knack for solitary exploration, but my son is likely to want to fill empty space with endless talking or television. He HATES playing alone. By the end of this book I was busy trying to think up ways to engage him in the creative act of solitude. An excellent look at our modern (and excessively connected) ways of living and what it means for the practice of being truly alone. Highly recommend.
missbryden's review against another edition
4.0
The book made me think about how, though I'm not constantly texting or communicating on social media, I don't often like to be alone with my thoughts so I am consuming other people's communication on social media or especially videos, stories, and music. I generally have something playing whether I'm on the computer, cleaning, gardening, going to sleep. So even though I'm alone, is that really solitude? The book discusses where solitude thrives, or how it happens: in wandering, daydreaming; some interesting points were how because of lack of solitude we lack personal style, taste, we're "lost" to always knowing where we are on google maps (that brought up some interesting points - that we can't assume maps are accurate, that basically, like history, maps are kind of written by the victors), we don't get enough access to the wild/nature (this seemed especially poignant thinking about the past year and those people who have to "isolate" in urban areas - they're the ones most lacking in nature already). The last section of the book talks about how solitude helps know others better, as well as yourself. It does all seem to come down to our latest social platform technologies - the culture is so hyperconnected that we're lacking in connection. Not a new idea - but it's the thinking it's funny that typewriting or handwriting a letter is such a novel/foreign idea and challenging, especially for younger millenials/gen z. Its not like i do it anymore or that I ever really put my heart or soul on paper, but I did used to write and receive letters. As for the last chapter, on spending a week truly alone, in a cabin in the woods, unconnected. Like he said, have I ever spent more than 24 hours alone (or even that long?), if we're saying that even little emails or exchanges with retail/service people means we haven't been solitary - I've traveled and very briefly lived alone in a dorm room, but if you're still having small exchanges in person or online, does that count. I don't think we necessarily need to all go spend a week in a cabin alone, but it's a good lesson to recognize how to be solitary, to be able to manage it, to be able to be alone with yourself.
alexcantdecide's review against another edition
4.0
Lesenswert! Autor rühmt die Vorzüge und die Dringlichkeit des Alleinseins in einer Zeit des scheinbar andauernden Verbundenseins. Und betrachtet dies unter verschiedenen, gut recherchierten Aspekten. Würde es nochmal lesen
apathycures's review against another edition
3.0
The book reads more as a call to carve out time for disconnection from social media and be in nature than to spend time alone with one’s own thoughts. It cites various studies but there isn’t anything uncommonly profound presented by the author.
In any case, if you’re one of the people who can’t stand not clearing your notifications, perhaps this book could bring you some comfort.
In any case, if you’re one of the people who can’t stand not clearing your notifications, perhaps this book could bring you some comfort.
bachirche's review against another edition
4.0
I am always intrigued and fascinated by the concept of Solitude, so that's why i picked this book to read! And let me tell you, it was very insightful and informative. And Michael Harris did really great job in doing his research and in his writing. I really enjoyed it and i really recommend it to everybody!
flash_'s review against another edition
4.0
This book contains a wealth of information that the author, Harris, gathered through various research efforts. However, I did not find his writing particularly engaging throughout the book. While some chapters held my attention more than others, I found the chapter on getting lost particularly intriguing. In fact, I have stopped using my GPS when traveling long distances for the last couple of months, which helped me to value the journey itself rather than just the destination.
hollysmith54's review against another edition
5.0
Another well-timed read. This book touched my soul. Michael Harris uncomfortably explores solitude and our complex relationship with aloneness. The title “Solitude: In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World” aptly captures the the connectivity dilemma of digital natives that Harris seeks to discuss.
“These, then, are solitude’s uses: new ideas; an understanding of the self; and closeness to others. Taken together, these three ingredients build a richer interior life.”
“Solitude is a resource we can either nurture or allow to be depleted”
“These, then, are solitude’s uses: new ideas; an understanding of the self; and closeness to others. Taken together, these three ingredients build a richer interior life.”
“Solitude is a resource we can either nurture or allow to be depleted”
poojakishinani's review against another edition
4.0
If you're lucky, a book will find you at the right moment in your life. As I'm ending one chapter and starting a new one soon, this is the perfect book to accompany me during this transition phase.
There's so much to reflect on, but some of the questions I've been pondering include:
- How can we nurture solitude within structures at the micro and macro scale? How different would our interpersonal relationships look?
- How can we get the right balance between learning and reflection in solitude & in community?
- How can we just slow down and witness moments of beauty and wonder in a culture that constantly encourages us to share, share, share all the time with as many people as you can!
This book didn't make me want to move to a cabin in the woods (although that sounds like a lovely idea!) but made me reflect on my relationship with online platforms & my need to share the my life. No easy answers, only more questions. That's when I know I love a book.
There's so much to reflect on, but some of the questions I've been pondering include:
- How can we nurture solitude within structures at the micro and macro scale? How different would our interpersonal relationships look?
- How can we get the right balance between learning and reflection in solitude & in community?
- How can we just slow down and witness moments of beauty and wonder in a culture that constantly encourages us to share, share, share all the time with as many people as you can!
This book didn't make me want to move to a cabin in the woods (although that sounds like a lovely idea!) but made me reflect on my relationship with online platforms & my need to share the my life. No easy answers, only more questions. That's when I know I love a book.