Soon
What Science, Philosophy, Religion and History Teach Us About the Surprising Power of Procrastination
Published on 19. April 2018
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-06-249158-9 (ISBN)
Description
In an age where it has never been easier to fritter away time with a steady stream of distractions, we still feel the oppressive tick of the almighty clock. But what if instead of scolding ourselves from indulging in distraction, we rebelled against deadlines and indulged in dawdling in order to achieve greater creative success? In Soon, writer and self-proclaimed procrastinator Andrew Santella explores the universal habit of procrastination and gives it, at last, a vigorous defense. As Santella argues, procrastination is not pure sloth, nor is it even "bad" at its core. It can be, as a matter of fact, pleasurable and enriching. By putting ourselves in charge of our limited time-be it choosing to sweep the stairs before finishing a painting, or reading a novel instead of doing our taxes-we find ourselves unlocking new creative potential and success.
Through the lessons of history, philosophy, psychology and science, and the stories of notable procrastinators like Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright and Moses, Santella makes a compelling case for the power of procrastination.
Through the lessons of history, philosophy, psychology and science, and the stories of notable procrastinators like Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright and Moses, Santella makes a compelling case for the power of procrastination.
Reviews / Votes
"Well-researched...[Soon] argues that in many cases eminent figures have done great work while putting off work they were supposed to be doing. Procrastination might, for some people, be part of innovation and the creative process." -- <strong><em>Wall Street Journal</em></strong> "Soon is an utter delight. Casually erudite, full of delicious anecdotes and brutal honesty, it is catnip, in book form, for procrastinators and non-procrastinators alike." -- <strong>Jennifer Egan, author of <em>Manhattan Beach</em></strong> "A witty, smart and, yes, motivating exploration into that quality that unites all of us: a knack for putting things off `til tomorrow. Soon is a lively reminder that while necessity might be the mother of invention, delay can be the source of creative achievement." -- <strong>Michael Hainey, author of After Visiting Friends</em></strong> "Brief and poignant...Engaging, accessible, and frequently humorous...Fans of unusual historical facts and those who Try will find plenty of value in this self-help, psychological study." -- <strong>Library Journal</strong> "Soon is funny and smart, but also-and I mean this as praise-a little insane...Despite its subtitle, Soon is not merely a "history"; it is a stylized re-creation of what happens when a procrastinator tires to write this history." -- <strong>BookForum</strong>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 218 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
305 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-249158-9 (9780062491589)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
12/2023
1st Edition
Dey Street Books
from
€9.99
Available for download
Person
Andrew Santella has written for such publications as GQ, the New York Times Book Review, Slate, and the Atlantic.com. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he is likely at this very moment putting off doing something important.