There is a solution to the noise, distraction, ceaseless pings and alerts that undermine our patience and disturb our daily equilibrium: silence. What is silence? Where is it? How do we create it? These are the starting points for Erling Kagge’s journey, an adventure that allows him to recount his own experiences (he once spent 50 days walking solo in Antarctica without radio contact) as well as discuss the observations of other poets, artists, and explorers.
In this compact and astonishing meditation, Kagge explores the silence around us, the silence within us, and the silence each of us must create. He shows us the unexpected places it sits—on the dance floor, in the shower, in a musical drop, on a mossy rock—and how silence opens doors to wonder and gratitude. His book pulls you into its mystery.
The book talk will be moderated by the Academy Award-winning actor Timothy Hutton. Following the discussion, copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
“An eloquent and persuasive argument for the significance of silence, in all of its forms, from an author who has explored the limits of the human experience.”—Kirkus Reviews
“The book expands the concepts of silence and noise beyond their aural definitions and engages with modern culture’s information overload, need for constant connection, and cult of busyness….Great pleasure lies in Kagge’s creative investigations. The reader leaves more mindful of the swirl of distraction present in everyday life.” —Publishers Weekly
“Silence braces a space within which we can hear ourselves think. Quietly, wisely, it makes a case for dumbing the din of modern life, and learning to listen again. Drawing on the experiences of Kagge’s extraordinary life in wild places, this is a book of great concentration” —Robert Macfarlane, author of The Old Ways
About Erling Kagge
Erling Kagge is a Norwegian explorer, author, publisher, and father of three teenage girls. He was the first person to walk alone on the South Pole, and he was also the first to reach the “three poles”–North, South, and the summit of Mount Everest.
He has written six books on exploration, philosophy, and art collecting, which have been translated into several languages.
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Author photo by Lars Pettersen; book image courtesy of Pantheon
THU—11-30-2017—7 PM, free