Carl Honoré’s In Praise of Slow has become a classic text for those seeking to embrace the Slow Life, and since its publication in 2004, has inspired and helped thousands to escape from the ‘cult of speed’ that predominates in our society. If you haven’t already got a copy within arm’s reach, we suggest you equip yourself with one: it’s the ideal reference source for when old habits creep back in. There are copies available for as little as one penny (plus postage and packaging) on Amazon.
Honoré’s book has been highly influential to the Slow Movement, setting out many of the basic principles that underlie its philosophy and providing a compelling argument for its relevance today. Using statistics, anecdotes and humour, it raises interesting points about the need for a slower pace of life, giving examples that most readers will quickly relate to their own lives in a world that’s stuck on fast forward.
In the years since the book’s initial publication, these issues have only become more pressing. The rise of ever faster, shorter and more superficial modes of communication as epitomised by Twitter and other internet phenomena has increased the speed of our lives even further, and made the prospect of withdrawing from a fast world even tougher.
Never po-faced or preachy, the book is full of practical advice to help the reader navigate a slower path through life in a realistic and sustainable way – without renouncing the pleasures of 21st century living. Simple tips like turning off the TV to enjoy your food more fully are typical of Honoré’s approach – as opposed to withdrawing from life by throwing out the TV set altogether; it’s this balanced and pragmatic attitude that makes it such a great read.
If you’ve read and enjoyed In Praise of Slow and would like to experience the concepts it promotes on an even more personal level, you’ll be pleased to learn that Honoré is bringing The Slow Retreat to the UK in March. A weekend of workshops, debates and shows set in an idyllic Devon farmhouse, this retreat promises to ‘reconnect you with your inner tortoise’. This sounds to us like a fantastic spring getaway, and it should equip you with the tools to help you slow down every aspect of your life. Prices start at £399, and you can book online here.
Image: Photo_Gratis
