The Art of Losing Control: A Philosopher’s Search for Ecstatic Experience

In the great complex web of modern life, our rational minds spend every second of our conscious hours scanning the horizon for opportunities and threats. We must get ahead, win friends, influence people, attract praise and avoid blame. But why should our lives be governed only by rationalism, when we are capable of so many more states of experience? We need to find a way to escape the isolation of our egos – not simply for our wellbeing, but because our understanding of life is less rich, less profound and less rigorous without doing so. Drawing on his research as policy director at the Centre for the History of Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London, as well as his own ecstatic experience, Jules Evans mounts an investigation into what we can gain from escaping our own thoughts and mastering the art of losing control. Jules’s exploration of ecstasy is an intellectual and emotional odyssey balancing personal experience, interviews and readings from ancient and modern philosophers that will change the way you think about how you feel.From Aristotle and Plato, via Brian Eno and the Bishop of London, radical Muslims and New Age wizards, The Art of Losing Control illuminates a rational science of ecstasy which can motivate us, free us, and transform our relationship with the world.

Reviews of The Art of Losing Control: A Philosopher’s Search for Ecstatic Experience

An original and outstanding investigation into a poorly understood but central experience in all our lives. Jules Evans is brave, honest and wise – a great companion and guide on a fascinating journey — CASPAR HENDERSON, author of The Book of Barely Imagined Beings An important book, because it reminds us philosophy is not just about analysis. It's also about the good life — MATTHEW SYED * The Times on Philosophy for Life * Instructive and thought-provoking … shows philosophy is not just for stuffy classrooms * Financial Times on Philosophy for Life * A revelation * Observer on Philosophy for Life * Brilliant and timely — TOM HODGKINSON on Philosophy for Life This book saved my life — ADE EDMONDSON on Philosophy for Life