On Time

Finding Your Pace in a World Addicted to Fast

By: Catherine Blyth

Narrated by: Sophie Aldred

Why has time sped up?

Why is there never enough?

How can you make it yours again?

On Time reveals why time sped up, why there never seems to be enough, and how to make it yours again.

We have more time than ever – so why do we feel time poor?
This is because our world is addicted to fast and we have become its servant. Instead of grasping the liberating potential of technology, many of us are stuck in a doomed race to outpace hurry.

Catherine Blyth combines cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology with stories ranging from Leonardo da Vince to Anna Wintour, Kant, and Keith Richards, to reveal timeless truths about humanity’s finest invention and how it shapes our lives.

Angry, witty and enlightening, On Time is a handbook for navigating a fast-forward world that asks the questions productivity guides ignore such as why time speeds up when you long for it to slow down, how to reset your body clock, and what hours suit which activities best.

So stop clock-watching and quit chasing white rabbits. Rediscover how time can be your servant.

©2017 Catherine Blyth (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

‘This truly extraordinary book can genuinely elongate your life, or at least allow you to achieve hugely more in your allotted lifespan. Funny, informative, quirky and brilliantly written, it is somehow also very wise in a profoundly philosophical way … with insights from every part of human existence from King Harold to Mark Carney. Find the time to read it, and you’ll discover where more time – and ultimately also happiness – can be found’ Andrew Roberts, author of The Storm of War

‘Loved this elegant and witty book. Blyth has that rare gift for being both erudite and accessible, mingling fascinating philosophical and scientific ideas with hard data and personal wisdom. I was deeply moved by the warmth and sincerity which underpins the author’s learning. This is a marvellous work – and one which has surely never been more timely’
Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent

‘On Time is spot on. Practical and yet profound, it is rich in ideas and a rallying cry to anyone in thrall to being busy and in a hurry’ Julia Hobsbawm, author of Fully Connected

‘Few books are truly life-changing. On Time is. Catherine Blyth is wise, witty and a very good writer. To find out more, you will have to read her brilliant book' Rachel Kelly, author of Black Rainbow

‘A rare find; a book which beautifully mixes a reflective, personal chronicle with a smart, insightful and often startling reading of cultural history. A rich, deft work’ Tristram Hunt, author of Ten Cities that Made an Empire

‘A beautiful, thoughtful book about time. Positioned between history, science and personal experiences. It not only engaged me but also made me think about my behavior and gave me meaningful strategies for ways I might change. Read this. It really is about time’ Prof Sophie Scott, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL

‘An addictive blend of philosophy, psychology and science that tackles today’s most pressing issue how to manage, savour and expand our time’ Jane Thynne, author of Solitaire