Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

On Giving Up by Adam Phillips is a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of surrendering, not just in the literal sense but as a complex psychological and philosophical act.
Phillips examines this theme through the lens of literature, philosophy, and psychology, drawing on examples from Kafka and Freud to Darwin, and poses the question: “What is worth surviving for?”

The book is an academic treatise and also a mirror reflecting moral and emotional complexities.

Phillips’s work is a nuanced tapestry that weaves together the threads of psychology and literature, revealing suggestive points of contact between the two.

On Giving Up is a stimulating read that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar concept. It’s a book that doesn’t provide answers but rather opens up a space for questions about the nature of human existence and the choices we make. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate a deep dive into the complexities of the human psyche and the paradoxes of the human condition.

I have never read any of Adam Phillip's works so this work serves as my introduction to his authorship. Upon first impression I can say that although rather short, this piece is incredibly dense. It actually took me a few days to read because of how much information and references presented. Overall, I found this to be interesting and insightful. Personally, when I think of "giving up," I associate it with the negative. With lacking discipline, lacking wit, or just not being good enough. This meditation offers insight to reframe that way of thinking. Giving up is a critical decision that does not always have to be associated with the negative.

What must we give up in order to feel more alive? Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips has created an insightful and rich meditation on the inevitability of giving up. I found the book to be extremely well structured and was impressed with how successfully it navigates the pros and cons of how we proceed in our most critical moments. The writing style and logic both exceeded my expectations.

Although small this piece of work provides the reader with multiple opportunities to explore the psyche. The material is dense but broken up well into the chapters making it more accessible. The whole concept of giving up and the pros and cons are explored in such depth. Answers are never simple or easy. I loved how all the main players in psychodynamic approaches are brought into the discussion, alongside Shakespeare. This should be on any psychology students to read list. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Describing a book by a psychologist as cerebral might be too on-the-nose but as he, not I, is the general editor of the new Penguin Modern Classics, it feels acceptable from my toolbox of vocabulary. A heady and engaging and meaty romp through the various ways we humans can give up or give things up and how that can be thrilling and freeing, not just depressing and limiting. Delve into what it means when you and your brain are starting the selection process and are unaware of what the outcome of the choice you're making could be. Sit with the discomfort of the human condition, but in a good way! You probably know the difference between a sacrifice or a move towards self-improvement, but you might reconsider how you came to that conclusion after reading this. Feels zeitgeist-y in the best way and like a good read for this moment in culture, what with the quiet quitting and post-capitalism memes.

This is a very rich dive into different avenues of the psyche. While the book is on the shorter side, the content is thought-provoking and dense. I really appreciated this book for its unconventional insight, and I think it would be a great addition to someone's arsenal if they are looking for self-help in this area. The book was written by an expert in psychology, so it's no surprise that this would be a high-level and enriching read.