This selection from award-winning journalist Carl Honore’s In Praise of Slowness introduces us to people all over the world who are reclaiming their time and slowing down the pace—and living happier, more productive, and healthier lives as a result.

A slow revolution is taking place. This is a modern revolution, championed by cell-phone using, emailing lovers of sanity. The slow philosophy can be summed up in a single word: balance. People are discovering energy and efficiency where you may have least expected—in slowing down. In The Beauty of Slowing Down rehabilitated speedaholic Carl Honore presents an engaging and entertaining exploration of a movement whose moment has finally come.