62 pages • 2 hours read
Matthew B. CrawfordThe World Beyond Your Head
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The World Beyond Your Head, Matthew B. Crawford examines the crisis of attention in modern society, arguing that our focus is fragmented by a culture overwhelmed with technology and consumerism. He suggests that engaging in skilled, hands-on practices can help individuals reclaim their focus and autonomy, countering the disconnection fostered by our mediated environments. This book discusses autism, neurodivergence, and depression without contemporary sensitivity or accurate context.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Matthew B. Crawford's The World Beyond Your Head is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of attention in the modern world. Reviewers praise its insightful critique of digital distraction and advocacy for hands-on, meaningful engagement. However, some find its philosophical depth challenging and occasionally dense. Overall, it offers a rich, albeit complex, discussion on reclaiming focus.
Who Should Read The World Beyond Your Head?
Readers who enjoyed Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew B. Crawford or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig will find The World Beyond Your Head compelling. Ideal for those interested in philosophy, technology's impact on attention, and the value of manual labor, this book provides deep insights into modern life.