Stand out of our Light
Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy

'In the Arab Spring, technology helped us topple a dictator - and then it tore us apart. The competition for attention poses a fundamental problem for today's society, and no one has gone deeper into this issue than James Williams. If you care about the future of society, pay attention to this book.' Wael Ghonim, internet activist

'Passionate, provocative, personal and funny! Drawing on philosophy and video games, ancient literature and current science, Stand out of our Light helps us to see what's currently happening to the human experience and how we can take back control.' David Runciman, University of Cambridge

'On the contemporary attention crisis, there is no writer who has thought deeper on it than Williams. His pivotal insight is the recognition that attention is the fuel of our lives, the ingredient essential to any self-chosen goal. Reading this refreshing and rejuvenating book will make you think hard about how life should be lived.' Tim Wu, Columbia University, New York

'A landmark book.' The Observer

'Mr Williams compares the current design of our technology to 'an entire army of jets and tanks' aimed at capturing and keeping our attention. And the army is winning. We spend the day transfixed by our screens, thumb twitching in the subways and elevators, glancing at traffic lights.' The New York Times

'Stand Out of Our Light is a prime example of philosophy at its most illuminating.' Achas Burin, Balliol College Annual Record 2018