The Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks Tell Us About Distraction

Early Christian monks were obsessed with distraction in ways that seem remarkably modern, and their attempts to stretch the mind out to God were all-consuming. Jamie Kreiner's The Wandering Mind explores the experiences of these monks living in the Middle East, around the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe from 300 to 900 CE, showing that they were obsessed with distraction in ways that seem remarkably modern. She suggests that our own obsession is remarkably medieval, and that we can still learn something about our own distractedness by looking closely at the monks' strenuous efforts to concentrate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Although we tend to view early monks as exceptional concentrators, the path to mindfulness was not a straightforward one for them. As historian Jamie Kreiner reveals in her book "The Wandering Mind," these individuals dedicated their lives to stretching their minds towards God, engaging in continuous contemplation of the divine order and its ethical implications. Their pursuit of mental expansion was all-consuming, and their battles against distractions were an ongoing struggle.

Kreiner's exploration delves into the experiences of early Christian monks who lived in the Middle East, around the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe from 300 to 900 CE. What emerges is a remarkable obsession with distraction that echoes modern times in surprising ways. At the same time, she suggests that our own fixation on distraction remains remarkably medieval.

Ancient Greek and Roman intellectuals had occasionally expressed concerns about distraction, but it was the early Christian monks who waged an all-out war against it. The stakes were high, as they saw distraction as a matter of life and death.

Despite the significant differences between the world of the early Middle Ages and our modern society, we can gain valuable insights into our own distractedness by examining the rigorous efforts of the early monks to concentrate. Kreiner reconstructs the techniques these individuals developed throughout their lifetimes, encompassing a range of practices such as regimented work schedules, elaborate metacognitive exercises, and physical regimens for hygiene, sleep, sex, and diet. She captures the fleeting moments of pure attentiveness achieved by some monks and the numerous instances where they faced challenges and setbacks, ultimately returning to the drawing board to refine their methods.

By blending history and psychology, "The Wandering Mind" offers a witty and illuminating account of human fallibility and ingenuity. It serves as a bridge between a distant era and our contemporary world, shedding light on the enduring human quest for mental clarity and focus.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 209 x 138 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324094449