Lost in Thought

More about the book

In a superficial, technology-driven world where usefulness dictates value, where can we find true escape, pleasure, and connection? Zena Hitz argues that few experiences are as fulfilling as engaging with our inner lives, whether as a bookworm, amateur astronomer, or passionate hobbyist. Through inspiring examples from figures like Socrates, Augustine, Malcolm X, and Elena Ferrante, along with her own journey from elite academia to a more meaningful existence, Hitz emphasizes that a rich life is rooted in thought. In an era where the humanities are often justified by economic or political relevance, she asserts that our intellectual pursuits are valuable precisely because they are not tied to practicality. Hitz encourages everyone, especially academics, to reconnect with the joy of learning for its own sake and urges universities to foster a more personal transmission of knowledge that nurtures our best selves. By reminding us of our potential and the importance of our inner lives, this work serves as a poignant reminder that cultivating our intellectual and emotional depths is essential to maintaining our humanity.