Cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert, a professor of psychology and co-author of "Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom," delves into the complexities of boredom. He argues that boredom is a neutral signal prompting us to engage more effectively with the world. The conversation covers its historical context, how personality affects susceptibility, and even connects boredom to political extremism. James also highlights the importance of reframing our approach to boredom as a tool for growth rather than a state to be avoided.
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insights INSIGHT
Psychology's Neglect of Boredom
Boredom, a ubiquitous human experience, has been explored by philosophers and writers for millennia.
However, psychologists have largely overlooked it, possibly due to its perceived triviality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ancient Accounts of Boredom
Seneca, a Roman philosopher, described boredom as a nauseating feeling arising from monotony and routine.
A Roman town even honored someone for saving them from boredom, highlighting its historical significance.
insights INSIGHT
Boredom as Acedia
Monks viewed acedia, a form of spiritual neglect and slothfulness, as a sin.
This concept, also known as the "noonday demon," captures the feeling of lacking motivation despite having duties.
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Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique. The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.
Out of My Skull
The Psychology of Boredom
James Danckert
John D. Eastwood
Out of My Skull combines scientific findings with everyday observations to explain boredom, an experience often ignored but from which we can learn. The authors argue that boredom isn't inherently bad; rather, we often fail to heed its guidance. By listening to boredom, we can become more engaged and live fuller lives.
Boredom
A Lively History
Peter Toohey
In 'Boredom: A Lively History', Peter Toohey delves into the concept of boredom, tracing its presence across more than 3,000 years of human history. He argues that boredom is not merely a childish emotion but a constructive part of the human experience, influencing art and literature. The book distinguishes between simple and existential boredom, highlighting its role in both popular and highbrow culture.
When we experience boredom, we tend to experience it as uncomfortable and agitating, and seek to banish it with some ready distraction. Or, we try to look at boredom sort of piously, as something we should learn to sit with, because it builds character.
My guest today would argue that it's best to see boredom more neutrally -- as simply an important signal that we need to change up what we're doing, and become more effective and engaged in the world.
His name is James Danckert, and he's a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychology, as well as the co-author of Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom. We begin our conversation with how boredom has been thought about in history and philosophy, and yet largely ignored by psychologists. We then discuss what it really means to be bored and what types of people are most prone to boredom. James explains how boredom is related to our sense of agency and the role constraints play in increasing it. We then get into how people's propensity towards boredom changes across the lifespan, and at what ages you're more and less likely to experience it. We end our conversation with the negative effects of being boredom prone, including the way boredom may increase political extremism, and the more positive and adaptive ways to deal with being bored.
The Art of Manliness 
