Touch: Recovering Our Most Vital Sense

In a world where we are increasingly living at a distance, Richard Kearney argues that we must cultivate the basic human need to touch and be touched. He believes that touch is our most primordial sense, foundational to our individual and common selves, and that interdependence is a crucial aspect of touch. Kearney makes the case for the complementarity of touch and technology and calls for a return to a tangible sense of community and the joys of life with others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In today's world, our existence is increasingly being conducted remotely, transitioning from physical interactions to digital realms. This shift poses a significant risk of disconnecting from ourselves and each other. How can we harmonize our embodied experiences with our global connectivity? How can we regain a sense of touch and connection?

Richard Kearney's book provides a timely and compelling argument for the cultivation of the fundamental human need to touch and be touched. He posits that touch is our most primordial sense, essential to our individual and collective identities. Kearney delves into the multifaceted role of touch, exploring its significance in ancient wisdom traditions and its application in modern therapies. He emphasizes the inherent interdependence of touch, its reciprocal nature, which serves as a corrective to our obsession with control. Through his work, Kearney makes a compelling case for the complementarity of touch and technology, advocating for a return to a tangible sense of community and the joys of life shared with others.

In conclusion, our increasing reliance on digital interactions has led to a loss of touch and connection. Richard Kearney's book offers a valuable perspective on the importance of touch and its potential to foster a sense of community and well-being. By embracing the reciprocal nature of touch and seeking its complementarity with technology, we can reconnect with ourselves and each other, reestablishing a deeper sense of human connection in our increasingly virtual world.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231199537