How to be Alone

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Macmillan, 2014 - Philosophy - 162 pages
Our fast-paced society does not approve of solitude; being alone is literally anti-social and some even find it sinister. Why is this so when autonomy, personal freedom and individualism are more highly prized than ever before? Sara Maitland answers this question by exploring changing attitudes throughout history. Offering experiments and strategies for overturning our fear of solitude, she helps us to practise 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.

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About the author (2014)

Writer and theologian Sara Maitland graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English language and literature. Before Maitland made her living as a writer, she was once an academic researcher, an interior decorator, and a dressmaker. Maitland has contributes essays and reviews to mainstream and scholarly publication, and has written or edited over 20 books including "Virtuous Magic: Women Saints and Their Meaning," "A Big Enough God: A Feminist's Search for a Joyful Theology," and "Angel Maker: The Short Stories of Sara Maitland."

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