Maggie Jackson book discussion at The House of Sweden

Maggie Jackson signs a copy of her book.

On Wednesday evening as part of their “Fabric of life” Spring 2011 program, The House of Sweden welcomed acclaimed author Maggie Jackson for a discussion of her book DISTRACTED, the erosion of attention and the coming age of darkness. The author addressed the engaged audience and spoke about the world of speed, overload and distraction that modern society has become.  Jackson’s book argues that what we lack is the ability to pay attention.  She pleads the case for a society that is high tech but also reflective and focused. As she noted, while most of us think we can multitask continually, few of us actually can and instead we simply interrupt ourselves and splinter and fragment our focus. The cure lies in recognizing that by questioning our need for speed and by examining what indeed warrants our attention we can regain focus and control.

Jackson, a prize winning columnist for the Boston Globe, fielded questions and signed copies of her book.  The “renaissance of attention” Jackson seeks to inspire drew wide applause. 

— Report by Mimi Reisner and photographs courtesy of the Embassy of Sweden

Public Diplomacy & Press Counselor at Embassy of Sweden Gabriella Augustsson introducing and welcoming Maggie Jackson

Maggie Jackson