Lost in Thought

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An invitation to readers from all walks of life to rediscover the splendors of a life of learning in a superficial, technological world, where everything is judged by its usefulness. In this context, where can we find escape, lasting pleasure, contemplation, or connection? While many leisure activities serve these needs, few experiences are as fulfilling as nurturing the inner life—whether through reading, amateur astronomy, birdwatching, or exploring countless other subjects. Drawing on inspiring examples from figures like Socrates, Augustine, Malcolm X, and Elena Ferrante, as well as her own journey away from elite university life in search of greater fulfillment, the author passionately reminds us that a rich life thrives on thought. In an era when even the humanities are often defended for their economic or political utility, she argues that our intellectual pursuits are valuable not for their practicality, but for their inherent worth. She encourages academics to reconnect with the joy of learning for its own sake and calls for universities to revive the personal transmission of habits that foster our best selves. This moving account emphasizes the importance of renewing our inner lives to preserve our humanity.