MP3 Audio Sample
Short Synopsis
A book depicting the intimate complicity between attention and identity . . . "You are what you pay attention to." Seeking Attention is ideal for those interested in cultural studies, psychology, or mindfulness, providing fresh insights into the vital role attention plays in both personal growth and collective well-being.
Full Synopsis
Seeking Attention explores the essential but elusive nature of attention through a fresh lens. Drawing inspiration from Simone Weil's assertion that "attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity," this book brings attention into focus through a novel collection of short "portraits" that each examine how archetypal figures—like the detective, the fan, the therapist, the parent, and the lover—engage with attention in unique ways.
● Accessible and Thought-Provoking: Written in an approachable style, this book offers an introduction to the growing field of attention studies, sparking new reflections on how we pay attention.
● Diverse Archetypes: Each figure represents a different approach to attention—highlighting its blind spots, failures, and occasional triumphs—prompting listeners to reflect on their own habits.
● A Phenomenology of Attention: Through these portraits, listeners are invited to rethink their understanding of attention, noticing how it shapes the world around them.
● Addressing the "Industrial-Distraction Complex": Offering alternative models for true presence, Seeking Attention encourages multi-sensory awareness as a powerful counter to our age of distraction.
Author Dominic Pettman
Narrated by Jonathan Todd Ross
Publication date Mar 11, 2025
Running time 8 hrs 9 min
Available Formats
audio download