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

Jules Evans is lying at the bottom of a mountain after a skiing accident. But he’s not thinking about his broken femur. He’s having an ecstatic revelation. Jules’s brush with ecstasy leads him on an investigation: why have we been happy to accept Greek philosophy’s attitude that rationality is the highest part of human nature for so many centuries, when we are capable of so many more states of experience? On his way, Jules discovers that by mastering the art of losing control, we can liberate ourselves from toxic habits and lead and better, deeper life. Balancing personal narrative, interviews, and readings from ancient and modern philosophers, The Art of Losing Control is a fascinating, funny and thrilling guide to the different ways we can experience ecstasy and how it can motivate us, heal us and set us free.

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

Compelling … His sensitivity as a thinker, like his skill as a storyteller, is never in doubt * Guardian * 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 A captivating exploration of humanity's journey toward self-transcendence * Prospect * In keeping with the ecstatic experience itself, this is a wild, wondrous, wide-eyed journey, and Evans has convinced me at least that it's a trip worth taking * Psychologist * 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