The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without

Caloric restriction is scientifically proven to enhance longevity, and John Oakes' The Fast provides a deep dive into the science and history of fasting. It explores the many facets of this act of self-deprivation, including its benefits, challenges, and cultural significance. The book interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide Oakes through fasts of his own, offering readers a profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. Fasting is not just about food, but about reconsidering our place in the world and leading a slower, more intentional contemplative life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Murdoch Books

Caloric restriction is one of the most scientifically proven methods to increase longevity. A fascinating deep dive into the science and history of fasting. - Steven M. Lipkin,MD,PhD; director,Adult and Cancer Genetics Clinic,Weill Cornell Medicine John Oakes takes us on an elegant and irresistible journey, all the while engaging us with personal experiences, scientific enlightenment, and the historical context of fasting. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, The Fast will stay with you long after you've read every word. - Gilbert King, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Devil in the Grove We fast all the time, even when we're not conscious of doing so. A fast manifests the idea of holding back, resisting the primal impulse to charge ahead. Its flip side is similarly everywhere: call it splurging, self-indulgence, or a variant of self-care. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, The Fast illuminates the many facets of this act of self-deprivation. John Oakes interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice - and embarks on fasts of his own - to provide readers curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. Fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons - from health advocates who see fasting as a method to lose weight or to detox, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as an effective means of peaceful protest. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine and offers a chance to look at things anew. Fasting involves doing less but doing less in a radical way, reminding us that we don't need as much as we think we do. It can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and spiritual awakening. By exploring the science and history of fasting, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the benefits of this ancient practice and how it can enhance our lives.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 233 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781761500329