62 pages • 2 hours read
The World Beyond Your Head
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
2015
Adult
18+ years
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.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
2,900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
2,900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Book • Nonfiction
2015
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.