SKU: 31534573366

On Giving Up

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On Giving UpOn Giving Up 'A wise, generous book' Washington Post From acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips, a meditation on what we must give up to feel more alive. To give up or not to give up? The question can feel inescapable but the answer is never simple. Giving up our supposed vices is one thing; giving up on life itself is quite another. One form of self sacrifice feels positive, something to admire and aspire to, while the other is profoundly unsettling,

On Giving Up

'A wise, generous book' Washington Post

From acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips, a meditation on what we must give up to feel more alive.


To give up or not to give up?

The question can feel inescapable but the answer is never simple.

Giving up our supposed vices is one thing; giving up on life itself is quite another. One form of self-sacrifice feels positive, something to admire and aspire to, while the other is profoundly unsettling, if not actively undesirable.

There are always, it turns out, both good and bad sacrifices, but it is not always clear beforehand which is which. We give something up because we believe we can no longer go on as we are. In this sense, giving up is a critical moment - an attempt to make a different future.

In On Giving Up, acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips illuminates both the gaps and the connections between the many ways of giving up, and helps us to address the central question: what must we give up in order to feel more alive?

'One of the finest prose stylists in the language, an Emerson of our time' John Banville

'The best living essayist writing in English' John Gray

'Adam Phillips promotes curiosity, improvisation and conflict as antidotes to the deadening effects of absolute certainty . . . Phillips sidles up to his subjects, preferring the gentle mode of suggestion to the blunt force of argument. His writing has a way of sneaking up on you, like a subterranean force' - New York Times

'A wise, generous book . . . There is a sense — quite a satisfying one, in fact — of circling around ideas, of each essay being ostensibly on a different theme from the others, but really treating the same concerns from a slightly different starting point . . . These essays won’t cure us, but they may make us curious' - Washington Post

'This short, subtle and nuanced book is a fast and stimulating read: an account of how giving up is a form of progress, and how giving up is a form of loss' - The Spectator

'Phillips invokes Freud, Kafka, Musil and Thomas Mann as helpmeets in illuminating knotty issues . . . This is not a book that provides answers but rather prompts the reader to question their own motivations and what different choices might mean' - New Statesman

'This roving collection of writings fuses the lexicon of psychotherapy with literary criticism to upend conventional ideas about common emotional experiences—among them repression, longing, and loss' - The New Yorker

'The prolific writings of Adam Phillips epitomise this modern day humanistic expression of psychoanalytic thinking . . . Phillips’s style throughout the book is almost effortlessly fluent and erudite . . . Invariably Phillips unearths layers of convolution that common sense overlooks. In true psychoanalytic fashion, what we think we want is unmasked as self-deception and what seems like pain has its pleasures. The stories we tell ourselves protect us from our fears and our adult preoccupations mask childish concerns' - The Conversation  

'An introspective look at the psychology of letting things go and aims to give readers some insight into their own lives in the process' - CNN

SPECIFICATIONS:

Author:Adam Phillips - Адам Филлипс

Publisher:Penguin

Language:English

Publication Date:2025

Number of pages:160 pst

Format:Paperback

Width:129 mm / 5,1'

Height:197 mm / 7,8'

Weight:118 g

ISBN:9781405958035

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Bob Obo
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
So Comfortable!
Size: 10.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede, Size: 10.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede
These are easily some of the most comfortable dress shoes I have ever owned. From the first time I put them on, they felt broken in and required very little adjustment. The fit is excellent, providing plenty of room in the toe box without squeezing or cramping my toes on the sides, which is often a problem with dress shoes. The suede is soft, supple, and feels like a quality material rather than the stiff suede found on many lower-priced shoes. The craftsmanship appears solid, and the shoes have a refined look that works well for both business and casual occasions. They are true to size and fit exactly as expected. I was also pleasantly surprised by how lightweight they feel while still offering good support throughout the day. Based on the quality of the suede and construction, I expect them to hold up well over time. The suede is soft enough to be comfortable but seems durable enough to handle occasional rain and everyday wear.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026
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Gurudev
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
A good shoe from a trusted brand
Size: 13 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck, Size: 13 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck
I'm mostly happy with these so far. They're generally well made, they look great, and I know they'll last a long time. They're real leather, which is always greatly appreciated in this synthetic era. They are pretty dang supportive and comfortable overall. They're lightweight and the price is right. But there are a few negatives, mainly on the comfort front. The right shoe fits perfectly, but the left one isn't quite right. It feels like the top of the heel is stitched a little too tight, such that it digs into the back of my heel when I walk. Now, this isn't uncommon for me with new shoes, but I do kind of expect better from Rockport. The other issue is that the shoes feel a little bit slippery on low pile carpets and tile. Now I'm sure both of those issues are temporary, and will resolve as the shoes break in. Still, they're noticeable. What can I say? They're Rockports. You know they're going to be solid shoes. I almost love these shoes, and really, I'm sure in a few months, when they're fully broken in, I will love them unreservedly. But not quite yet.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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J.MILLER
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★★★★★ 5
Sharp looking dress shoes
Size: 14 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck
These shoes look great in person and have a clean, classic style that works well for the office, church, or more formal occasions. The natural nubuck gives them a nice appearance without being overly flashy, and they look more expensive than they actually are. The fit was good in the wide size, and they were comfortable right out of the box. The overall quality seems very good, with solid construction and materials that feel like they should hold up well over time. For the price, they're a good value and a nice option if you're looking for a sharp looking pair of dress shoes.
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Michael L
Louisville, US
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All day comfort!
Size: 12, Color: Grey Nubuck
I was looking for a pair of dress shoes that I could spend a lot of time in and be comfortable. I am happy to report that I’ve found them! I’ve always heard a lot about the Rockport brand, but never wanted to cough up the money that I do for say, Hoka athletic shoes. I can now see what folks do. Very comfortable right from the unboxing. My feet are so happy. The shoes themselves look great, and feature a really strong build quality. The price is a little on the steep side, but I’m learning you get what you pay for in most cases. Definitely a great product that I won’t hesitate to purchase again when needed.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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amazoncustomer
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Classic, Comfortable Suede Shoes with Everyday Versatility! Love the Product
Size: 9.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede
These Rockport Men’s Foley suede shoes offer a clean, classic look that works well for both casual and smart-casual outfits. The dark taupe suede finish gives them a refined yet relaxed style that pairs easily with jeans, chinos, or dress pants. They’re versatile enough for office wear, dinners, or everyday outings. Comfort is a strong point, with a cushioned insole and lightweight construction that makes them easy to wear for extended periods. The fit feels supportive without being stiff, and the overall build quality feels durable. Overall, these are stylish and comfortable suede shoes that balance professionalism with everyday wearability.
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