Society for Timid Souls with Polly Morland

In the 1940s a New York pianist called together fellow performers suffering from stage fright to form a fraternity they called The Society of Timid Souls. Its aim was to dissolve their fear. It was an enormous success. 

We live in a time that has been dubbed the age of anxiety. What would a Society of Timid Souls teach us today? To find out, Polly Morland has been on a journey round the world to talk to those who’ve conquered their fears and displayed remarkable courage: the woman who carried out a caesarean section on herself, the soldier who disobeyed a direct order to save his friend, the surfer who took on a murderous sea, the man whose celebrity is built around the courageous ideal, and the freedom fighter who gave his life to it.

Tonight she’ll share their stories and the wisdom she’s gleaned on how a timid soul can become a brave one. 

ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS

Leading writers, economists, historians, philosophers, psychologists, artists and other thinkers offer provocation, inspiration and consolation in the form of advice for living better.

Speakers for this strand have been invited by The School of Life to present their own material.  Session formats will vary depending on the subject. Groups are limited to 35 people.