Jenny Odell's "Saving Time" delves into the societal pressures surrounding productivity and our perception of time. It explores the historical context of our relationship with time, tracing it back to industrial practices and their impact on our daily lives. The book offers alternative perspectives on time, suggesting ways to break free from the constraints of linear thinking and embrace a more holistic approach. Odell encourages readers to find freedom and wonder by shifting their focus from individual efficiency to the interconnectedness of time and relationships. Ultimately, the book aims to help readers find a more fulfilling and meaningful experience of time.
In 'Wintering', Katherine May shares her personal experiences of coping with illness, career changes, and family challenges, and how she found strength and healing through the concept of 'wintering'. The book draws on lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, highlighting the importance of rest, retreat, and embracing the cyclical nature of life. May discusses various cultural and spiritual practices related to winter, as well as her own experiences with cold-water swimming and other winter activities, to illustrate how winter can be a time of renewal and growth.
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.
Barbara Adam's "Time Watch" is a seminal work in the sociology of time, exploring the multifaceted ways in which time shapes our lives. Adam examines the impact of technological advancements on our experience of time, highlighting the increasing pace of modern life and the pressures of time scarcity. She analyzes the social and cultural dimensions of time, examining how different groups experience and perceive time differently. The book challenges us to reconsider our relationship with time, urging us to find ways to reclaim control over our lives and create more meaningful experiences. Adam's work is a crucial contribution to our understanding of the social construction of time and its profound impact on our individual and collective lives.
Sarah Hendren's "What Can a Body Do?" is a powerful and insightful exploration of disability, design, and the human experience. Hendren challenges conventional notions of ability and disability, arguing that our understanding of the body is shaped by societal norms and expectations. She uses personal anecdotes and case studies to illustrate how design can either exclude or empower people with disabilities. The book's central theme is the importance of creating inclusive environments that accommodate the diverse needs and experiences of all bodies. Hendren's work is a call for a more equitable and just world, where design is used to promote human flourishing for everyone.
Caitlin Rosenthal's "Accounting for Slavery" offers a groundbreaking examination of the role of accounting practices in the institution of slavery. The book reveals how sophisticated accounting systems were used to manage and maximize the profits generated from enslaved labor. Rosenthal meticulously traces the development of these systems, highlighting their impact on the economic and social structures of the antebellum South. Her work sheds light on the often-overlooked technological and administrative aspects of slavery, demonstrating how accounting practices were integral to the system's brutal efficiency. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and its continued influence on contemporary economic and social systems.
Jenny Odell (NYT bestseller, artist) wrote a bestselling book five years ago that Barack Obama declared one of his “books of the year”. “How to Do Nothing” stuck two fingers up to the productivity industry. Jenny followed it up with the recently published, “Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond The Clock” that argues the original problem is our framing of time as a bunch of units we own, spend, must be efficient with etc.
In this chat, Jenny explains that how we relate to time is our choice and she – fascinatingly – shows how radically rejecting our current take on time (and the productivity bro’ efficiency hacks) can help us navigate climate dread, the capitalist trap and our collective sense of disconnect.
SHOW NOTES
Jenny's book, Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock is available now
Connect with Jenny on Instagram and keep up to date via her website
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