Wild with Sarah Wilson cover image

Wild with Sarah Wilson

JENNY ODELL: How to *not* save time (and *creatively* reject the productive, growth imperative!)

Jun 25, 2024
In this captivating conversation, Jenny Odell, a New York Times bestselling author and artist, critiques our obsession with productivity and its impact on how we perceive time. She shares insights from her latest book, suggesting that our relationship with time should prioritize creativity over efficiency. Odell emphasizes the need to reject societal pressure, advocating for a communal view of time that fosters deeper connections. By exploring concepts like chronos and kairos, she highlights the transformative power of embracing moments rather than metrics, particularly in the face of climate challenges.
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Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast challenges the conventional notion of time as a productivity metric, advocating for a more meaningful, experiential relationship with it.
  • Jenny Odell highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals' perspectives towards time, prompting a reflection on personal fulfillment beyond output.

Deep dives

Redefining Productivity and Time

The discussion highlights the culturally rooted notion that equates time with productivity, prompting individuals to reconsider their relationship with time. Many people feel guilty about not being productive, which often leads them to overlook the value of simply 'doing nothing.' This perspective shift, as advocated by the author, emphasizes the importance of recognizing activities that may not yield economic returns, but are nonetheless meaningful. By questioning the essentialism of productivity, individuals can reclaim their time and explore personal fulfillment beyond conventional work-oriented frameworks.

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