How to Think About Exercise

(Paperback)

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Description

We tend to regard exercise as pure physical exertion, a working of the muscles to develop (or show) bodily strength and vitality. We do not exercise to improve our minds or to learn something new; we commonly make this division of the body and mind. But this was not always so; the ancient Greeks rarely split us into body and mind, in theory or practice, so why do we make that separation today In How to Think About Exercise, Damon Young answers this question by examining our modern lifestyles of new technology and expensive gym memberships, of commuter trains and air-conditioned offices. He then goes further by asking us to reflect on the mental value of exercise. Drawing on scholarship, great literature and pop culture, he examines different forms of exercise and reveals how physical activity can be existential - a way of reclaiming and refining our selves. Damon offers practical, accessible advice for giving aspects of self more value through exercise.

Reviews

This new series of The School of Life's self-help books build on the strengths of the first, tackling some of the hardest issues of our lives in a way that is genuinely informative, helpful and consoling. Here are books that prove that the term "self-help" doesn't have to be either shallow or naive -- Alain de Botton, Founder of The School of Life
The School of Life offers radical ways to help us raid the treasure trove of human knowledge * Independent on Sunday *

Author Bio

Damon Young is an Australian philosopher, author and commentator. He is an Honourary Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Melbourne and the author of many books including Philosophy in the Garden. He lives in Melbourne with his wife, son and daughter.