Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Field Guide to Getting Lost summary
Brief summary
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit is a thought-provoking book that explores the idea of getting lost as a means of self-discovery and finding new ways of being in the world. It delves into the beauty and significance of embracing the unknown.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Field Guide to Getting Lost
Summary of key ideas
Embracing the Unknown
In A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit, we embark on a journey that explores the concept of getting lost, not just in the physical sense, but also in the emotional and psychological realms. Solnit begins by recounting the story of the blue of distance, a term used to describe the way distant mountains appear blue due to the scattering of light. This serves as a metaphor for the unknown, the unattainable, and the unreachable.
Solnit then delves into the idea of getting lost as a means of self-discovery. She argues that losing oneself can be a way of finding oneself, and that the unknown can be a source of creativity and inspiration. She draws on personal experiences and historical anecdotes to illustrate how getting lost can lead to unexpected and transformative outcomes.
Exploring the Wilderness
Next, Solnit takes us on a journey through the wilderness, exploring the idea of getting lost in nature. She describes how the wilderness can be both a physical place and a state of mind, and how it can evoke feelings of fear, awe, and wonder. She also discusses the concept of the sublime, a feeling of overwhelming greatness in the face of nature's grandeur, and how it can be both terrifying and exhilarating.
Throughout her exploration, Solnit emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown and the unpredictable. She argues that getting lost in the wilderness can be a way of confronting our fears and limitations, and that it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Cityscapes and Labyrinths
Shifting from the wilderness to the urban landscape, Solnit examines the idea of getting lost in the city. She describes how cities can be both exhilarating and disorienting, and how they can evoke feelings of anonymity and alienation. She also discusses the concept of the flâneur, a figure who wanders the city streets with no particular destination, observing and absorbing the urban environment.
As she explores the city, Solnit draws parallels between the physical labyrinth of the urban landscape and the psychological labyrinth of the mind. She argues that getting lost in the city can be a way of exploring the complexities of modern life, and that it can lead to new perspectives and insights.
Loss and Transformation
In the latter part of A Field Guide to Getting Lost, Solnit delves into the theme of loss and its transformative power. She shares personal stories of loss, including the death of her close friend and the dissolution of a romantic relationship, and reflects on how these experiences have shaped her identity and worldview.
Despite the pain and disorientation that come with loss, Solnit argues that it can also be a source of growth and renewal. She suggests that getting lost in grief can be a way of confronting our deepest fears and desires, and that it can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and its uncertainties.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, A Field Guide to Getting Lost is a thought-provoking exploration of the unknown, the wilderness, the city, and the self. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, historical references, and philosophical musings, Solnit challenges us to embrace the uncertainties of life, to get lost in the world around us, and to see the value in the journey rather than the destination.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Field Guide to Getting Lost about?
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit is a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of getting lost. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, history, and philosophy, Solnit delves into the idea of embracing the unknown and finding meaning in unexpected places. This book challenges our fear of being lost and invites us to see it as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
A Field Guide to Getting Lost Review
A Field Guide to Getting Lost (2005) by Rebecca Solnit is a captivating exploration of the beauty and necessity of getting lost in order to find oneself. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through thought-provoking musings on various aspects of life, Solnit challenges our preconceived notions and encourages us to embrace uncertainty.
- The book delves deep into the connections between nature, art, and personal experiences, offering a unique perspective on how we navigate the world around us.
- With its vivid and poetic language, the book ignites a sense of wonder, leaving readers inspired and eager to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Who should read A Field Guide to Getting Lost?
- Individuals who enjoy introspective and philosophical explorations
- Adventurous souls who are open to embracing uncertainty and the unknown
- Those seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on life's journeys
Categories with A Field Guide to Getting Lost
Book summaries like A Field Guide to Getting Lost
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Field Guide to Getting Lost FAQs
What is the main message of A Field Guide to Getting Lost?
The main message of A Field Guide to Getting Lost is embracing the unknown and finding beauty in uncertainty.
How long does it take to read A Field Guide to Getting Lost?
The reading time for A Field Guide to Getting Lost varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Field Guide to Getting Lost a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Field Guide to Getting Lost is worth reading as it beautifully explores the complexity of losing oneself in order to discover new perspectives.
Who is the author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost?
Rebecca Solnit is the author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost.
What to read after A Field Guide to Getting Lost?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Field Guide to Getting Lost, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz