In 'On Balance', Adam Phillips explores the intricate dance of life and the quest for equilibrium amidst chaos. Through keen psychological insights and poignant observations, he delves into how we juggle desires, fears, and the pursuit of happiness. The book invites readers to reconsider their understanding of balance, challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives. Phillips' eloquent prose weaves personal anecdotes with philosophical musings, making each page a thought-provoking journey. Are we truly seeking balance, or is the struggle itself what defines us?
By Adam Phillips
Published: 2010
"In the delicate dance between desire and restraint, we discover that balance is not a destination, but an ever-evolving journey of the self."
“Balancing acts,” writes Adam Phillips, “are entertaining because they are risky, but there are situations in which it is more dangerous to keep your balance than to lose it.” In these exhilarating and casually brilliant essays, the philosopher and psychoanalyst examines literature, fairy tales, works of art, and case studies to reveal the paradoxes inherent in our appetites and fears. How do we know when enough is enough? Are there times when too much is just right? Why is Cinderella’s biggest problem not the prince but other women? What can Richard III’s furious sense of his own helplessness tell us of our own desires? On Balance shows Phillips’s bravura gift for linking disparate ideas and the dreamers that dreamed them into something beautiful, revelatory, and essential.
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“In the delicate dance between desire and restraint, we discover that balance is not a destination, but an ever-evolving journey of the self.”
On Balance
By Adam Phillips
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Adam Phillips is a prominent British psychotherapist and author, known for his insightful exploration of the human psyche and relationships. His notable works include 'On Kissing, Tickling, and Being Bored,' 'Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life,' and 'The Beast in the Nursery.' Phillips's writing is characterized by its eloquent prose and thought-provoking insights, blending psychoanalytic theory with literary analysis and cultural criticism. He has a unique ability to weave personal narrative and psychological exploration, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
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