Description

In On Reflection Richard Holloway thinks back on some of the questions that have shaped his life. Here, then, are the big asks: is there a God? How can we forgive? Where does creativity come from? How can we face loss and death? How can we live a good life? And how do we find beauty in the world?

To this cause he also recruits the help of poets, writers, musicians and artists, whose own wisdom can help us navigate life’s challenges. To ‘reflect on’ can also mean to change your mind; a necessary facility in any well-lived life. And this leads us to more of our big asks: how do we change the world for the better? How do we heal divisions? How does a society move forward?

In beautiful prose, and with care and joy, Richard Holloway offers his reflections on how a good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

Publisher Review

Praise for Richard Holloway: ‘Reading Holloway is like taking a long walk in the countryside – afterwards, you understand the world better, you feel less lonely — ELIF SHAFAK * * Guardian * * Open-hearted and wide-minded . . . Holloway’s commentarywill indubitably bring a crumb of comfort to many readers * * Scotsman * * Elegant, elegiac and thought-provoking * * Observer * * Thoughtful, playful, courageous and deeply altruistic . . . a fine companion for anyone who wishes to live a life of any depth — A.L. KENNEDY If every priest and imam, every MP and CEO, every person like you and me read this, then the world would be a better place. It is devastatingly humane. It blends science, philosophy and religion and admits the art (and artifice) in these avowedly objective forms. Erudition and empathy; I wept — DAMIAN BARR Holloway writes with passion and honesty at all times, and the result is compelling * * Guardian * * Wonderful, wise, compassionate and befriending — KATHRYN MANNIX Engaging and uplifting. . . . this personal, scientific and philosophical journey to explore what might be the answers to the world’s biggest questions is both playful and inspiring . . . The richness of this book challenged the short space of a review * * Daily Mail * * Thought-provoking, revelatory, grave and comforting. It is impossible not to be moved by it in the most profound way — ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH An engaging, erudite explanation of how he came to be where he now stands and is a warning against the cruel righteousness of many belief systems * * Sunday Times * *