Solitude

by Simon Parke

What does solitude mean to you? Albert Einstein once ‘I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.’In his latest book Simon Parke, author of The Beautiful Life and One-Minute Mindfulness describes solitude as the active path to inner silence and takes us on an enthralling journey there. In a world of haste and distraction he commends the way of stillness and withdrawal where we can ‘recover the power of alone’.‘It’s a journey to our selves and a place we can call our own,’ he says. ‘It’s here, away from the crowd that we reconnect with our inner knowing - so different to our outer knowing.’A capacity for silence is what distinguishes us as humans, yet many of us fear to go there. But there is nothing to fear in solitude and everything to gain. If you want to be still but wonder how, this book is the perfect friend.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2011

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and persuasive look at the gift of solitude, so often missed in modern life due to a fear of loneliness, and our habit of being "distracted from distraction by distraction". It's written as a kind of inner dialogue, which may not be to everyone's taste, but well worth a read all the same.

[Valerie Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love books on this topic but I found this one quite laboured. The conversation format got in the way and drew out points to unnecessary length. Some good quotes from other authors. Probably best to read it in small sections with pauses for reflection.