On Giving Up

Adam Phillips' On Giving Up explores the gaps and connections between the many ways of giving up and helps us to address the central question: what must we give up in order to feel more alive?

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

From acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips, a meditation on what we must give up to feel more alive.

The question can feel inescapable, but the answer is never simple. Giving up our supposed vices is one thing; giving up on life itself is quite another. One form of self-sacrifice feels positive, something to admire and aspire to, while the other is profoundly unsettling, if not actively undesirable.

There are always, it turns out, both good and bad sacrifices, but it is not always clear beforehand which is which. We give something up because we believe we can no longer go on as we are. In this sense, giving up is a critical moment - an attempt to make a different future.

In On Giving Up, acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips illuminates both the gaps and the connections between the many ways of giving up, and helps us to address the central question: what must we give up in order to feel more alive?

One of the finest prose stylists in the language, an Emerson of our time. John Banville. The best living essayist writing in English. John Gray.

Phillips delves into the complexities of giving up, exploring the motivations behind our choices and the potential consequences of our actions. He challenges us to consider the ways in which we may be holding ourselves back, and offers practical strategies for letting go of what no longer serves us.

Through his insightful and compassionate approach, Phillips helps us to navigate the delicate balance between self-preservation and self-growth. He encourages us to embrace change and uncertainty, recognizing that sometimes the most significant leaps forward come from the places we least expect.

On Giving Up is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their own habits or limitations. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-reflection. Whether you are seeking to make a major life change or simply improve your daily routine, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools for achieving greater fulfillment and vitality.

In conclusion, On Giving Up is a must-read for anyone who is ready to explore the depths of their own potential and embrace the journey of self-discovery. With its insightful prose, practical advice, and inspiring message, this book will help you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241656594