Distraction

BlackBerry in the bedroom, mobile phone calls on the porcelain throne - welcome to distraction twenty-first century style!

Can you ignore the beep of a text message arriving on your mobile phone? Are you easily sidetracked by a passing lorry or low-flying plane? Does a quick chat with friends or colleagues keep you from getting on with work? Since time began, man has sought out ways to avoid the task in hand and, in the 21st century we have opportunities galore with the majority of us all too willing to take advantage of them. But, why do we let our attention be so easily diverted and what impact does it have on our lives? Should we be trying harder to avoid it? Being distracted that is.

In his entertaining and thought-provoking new book, Damon Young takes a close look at the largely overlooked and yet intriguing subject of distraction and, by drawing on examples from his own life as well as the thoughts and lives of some of our great philosophers, artists and writers, reveals just what can befall us when we succumb. Covering topics that all of us can relate to in our busy modern lives - work, art, technology, relationships and more - Distraction is packed full of amusing and sobering triumphs and tragedies, all of them brought about by the protagonists, from Matisse, to T. S. Eliot, Marx to Henry James, allowing their heads to be turned.

In a world where a day without MySpace or Facebook friends is solitary confinement, should we then be trying to avoid distraction? No, says Young. There is little point trying to avoid distraction and, in fact, little need. What looks like distraction can be useful, even life-saving. It is more a case of using it wisely, being clear about what is worthwhile in life and seeking it with lucidity and passion.

Playful, witty and down-to-earth, Distraction is a captivating and easy-to-read book that will have you thinking about the way you live your life in a whole new way. You never know, you may start being able to leave text messages unread for at least five whole minutes.

Damon Young is a philosopher, author and commentator. He has appeared regularly on public and commercial radio and has also published works of poetry and fiction, and lives in Australia.