In How to Be Alone, Sara Maitland asks how we have arrived in a culture that values individualism, personal autonomy, independence and fulfilment higher than ever before in human history -- but at the same time is terrified of solitude. Delving in to history to answer this question, she examines our changing culture through the ages and asks why and how we have periodically praised and then feared the practice of being alone, and those who seek it. In this thought-provoking and practical book in The School of Life series, Sara offers real ideas for finding and enjoying solitude in our modern age. She addresses the instant reflex reaction we can sometimes feel when faced with those who choose to be alone and helps us tackle our fear so we can embrace time alone ourselves.