Seeking Attention: 30 Ways of Being Present

Summary

Seeking Attention explores the essential but elusive nature of attention through a fresh lens. Drawing inspiration from Simone Weil's assertion that "attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity," this book brings attention into focus through a novel collection of short "portraits" that each examine how archetypal figures—like the detective, the fan, the therapist, the parent, and the lover—engage with attention in unique ways.

● Accessible and Thought-Provoking: Written in an approachable style, this book offers an introduction to the growing field of attention studies, sparking new reflections on how we pay attention.

● Diverse Archetypes: Each figure represents a different approach to attention—highlighting its blind spots, failures, and occasional triumphs—prompting listeners to reflect on their own habits.

● A Phenomenology of Attention: Through these portraits, listeners are invited to rethink their understanding of attention, noticing how it shapes the world around them.

● Addressing the "Industrial-Distraction Complex": Offering alternative models for true presence, Seeking Attention encourages multi-sensory awareness as a powerful counter to our age of distraction.