Calm

Few life skills are as neglected, yet as important, as the ability to remain calm. Our very worst decisions and interactions are almost invariably the result of a loss of calm - and a descent into anxiety and agitation. Surprisingly, but very fortunately, our power to remain calm can be rehearsed and improved.

We don't have to remain where we are now: our responses to everyday challenges can dramatically alter. We can educate ourselves in the art of remaining calm not through slow breathing or special teas but through thinking. This is a book that patiently unpacks the causes of our greatest stresses and gives us a succession of highly persuasive, beautiful and sometimes dryly comic arguments with which to defend ourselves against panic and fury.

“What readers are saying "This book is beautifully written and incredibly comforting. The writing itself makes you feel calm, and it seems to instill a seed of hope in you that you really can lead a more calm and peaceful life." "Beautifully written application of philosophy to everyday life. Highly recommended." "Engaging. Insightful. Well thought out arc of ideas on and around 'calm' with tangible activities one can immediately implement." "What an amazing book! The structure, the wording, the examples and the references in history makes this piece a real gem. When you are going after calm in life, calm will not happen but, when you are going after a calmer life, calm will prevail. Brilliant." "A wonderful book that explores all aspects of being calm." "This book has helped me in an unimaginable way."”

What readers are saying

"This book is beautifully written and incredibly comforting. The writing itself makes you feel calm, and it seems to instill a seed of hope in you that you really can lead a more calm and peaceful life."

"Beautifully written application of philosophy to everyday life. Highly recommended."

"Engaging. Insightful. Well thought out arc of ideas on and around 'calm' with tangible activities one can immediately implement."

"What an amazing book! The structure, the wording, the examples and the references in history makes this piece a real gem. When you are going after calm in life, calm will not happen but, when you are going after a calmer life, calm will prevail. Brilliant."

"A wonderful book that explores all aspects of being calm."

"This book has helped me in an unimaginable way."

The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence. It addresses issues such as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm, and how better to understand and - where necessary - change the world. These ideas are delivered through a range of channels: from videos, books, and products - to classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.

The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

Few life skills are as neglected, yet as important, as the ability to remain calm. Our very worst decisions and interactions are almost invariably the result of a loss of calm - and a descent into anxiety and agitation. Surprisingly, but very fortunately, our power to remain calm can be rehearsed and improved.We don't have to remain where we are now: our responses to everyday challenges can dramatically alter. We can educate ourselves in the art of remaining calm not through slow breathing or special teas but through thinking. This is a book that patiently unpacks the causes of our greatest stresses and gives us a succession of highly persuasive, beautiful and sometimes dryly comic arguments with which to defend ourselves against panic and fury.

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