yakob's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I have read a few things by “The School of Life” (corny, I know) but I like Alain de Botton’s writing. This is the first book I have read by The School of Life not by de Bottom and was very disappointed. It was a good non-fiction journalistic writing style but that was sort of it’s only draw. I feel like if you are buying a book titled “How to be Bored” then you are already aware that the digital age has done away with boredom. But… far more than advice on how to rid yourself of an addiction to media consumption this book was just diagnosing the symptom I’ve already described: digital age leads to no boredom. The “How to be” part of the title was not present so I’m not all too satisfied with the read.
nobodyatall's review
4.0
Concise, thoughtful and informative. A useful tool box of ideas and techniques for expanding self knowledge and satisfaction.
Could alternatively be titled - how to find meaning and purpose.
Could alternatively be titled - how to find meaning and purpose.
kennethwade's review
2.75
This book does not have a lot to say. It’s mainly general thoughts about idleness and introspection combined with “phone bad” talking points. The recommended reading book list at the end is the best part.
vanessa_giguere's review against another edition
4.0
"Affluence breeds impatience and impatience undermines well-being".
J'ai fait cette lecture en plein milieu d'une pause des réseaux sociaux et de nombreux passages et citations ont poussé ma réflexion sur le sujet. Les relations humaines dans cette ère digitale s'érodent, notre perception de nous-mêmes aussi s'en voit souvent affectée. Lecture de circonstance, du moins pour moi à ce moment précis de ma petite vie.
J'ai fait cette lecture en plein milieu d'une pause des réseaux sociaux et de nombreux passages et citations ont poussé ma réflexion sur le sujet. Les relations humaines dans cette ère digitale s'érodent, notre perception de nous-mêmes aussi s'en voit souvent affectée. Lecture de circonstance, du moins pour moi à ce moment précis de ma petite vie.
nelesophie's review
3.0
The first few chapters were very interesting to me and seemed to be helpful, but as the book goes on the chapters seem to get more and more repetetive.
dngoldman's review
3.0
While the book avoids many of the traps of self help books - being maudlin, quasi science, over explaining. the book is clearly written and straightforward. Yet, it lacks many faults, it also lacks many strength - lack of intellectual depth, emotional core, or systematic approach. The best part maybe the "reading list" that comes at the end of the book. That being said, the book provides a many reminders on the need to set back and create the space to engage with your inner self and with others.
snowcrash's review
4.0
A fast read on the core concept of idleness. It is a lighter weight version of what _Autopilot_ by Andrew Smart. Both books discuss why our brains need idleness and our current digital lives do not allow for it.
Being idle allows the brain to come up with new pathways and see connections that a busy brain may miss. Being bored is a good thing, as it shows kids what they don't like. It allows adults to follow a desire.
Being idle allows the brain to come up with new pathways and see connections that a busy brain may miss. Being bored is a good thing, as it shows kids what they don't like. It allows adults to follow a desire.
More...