In this book, Hartmut Rosa argues that the acceleration of modern life has not led to greater happiness or contentment. Instead, he proposes that the quality of human life should be measured by our 'resonance' with the world. Rosa applies his theory of resonance across various domains of human activity, including family, politics, work, sports, religion, and art. He contends that modern society's crises, such as environmental, democratic, and psychological crises, can be understood through the lens of resonance and our distorted relationship to the world. The book emphasizes the importance of forming meaningful, unpredictable, and uncontrollable connections with the world, highlighting the concept of alterity and the need to embrace the world's mystery and elusiveness[2][4][5].
David Orr's book delves into the controversy and mystifying contradictions of Robert Frost's beloved poem. Orr presents a fresh, perceptive reading of the verse, placing it in the context of Frost’s life, other works, and public persona. He argues that the poem is often misinterpreted and explores its meaning in the context of American culture, revealing it as both a critique of human self-deception and a reflection on the ambiguity of choice. The book examines the poem's historical journey from its publication during the First World War to its current status as a masterpiece of American literature.
In this book, Andrew Root addresses the challenges faced by congregations in the accelerated pace of modern life. He argues that the recent push for innovation in churches has led to an acceleration of congregational life, stripping the sacred out of time and resulting in burnout and depression. Root encourages congregations to reimagine change and move from relevance to resonance, emphasizing the importance of relationships with God and each other to restore sacredness to time.
The poem 'The Road Not Taken' is a reflection on the choices we make in life and how they shape our future. It follows a traveler who stands at a fork in the road and must decide which path to take. The poem explores themes of choice, regret, and the impact of our decisions on our lives. It is one of Frost's most celebrated works and is often included in collections of his poetry.
This book provides a clear-eyed assessment of three types of people who promote a commencement speaker’s view of the world: the moralizer, the busybody, and the pure hearted. It critiques the idea that everyone should strive to change the world and instead advocates for the value of an ordinary, quiet life. The authors argue that living a life focused on roots, home, and solitude can be generous and noble, and that it is okay to mind one’s own business rather than constantly intervening in others’ affairs. The book also explores the concept of 'pathological altruism' and the importance of solitude in a world dominated by social media and other forms of social engagement[1][2][4].
When people think about living more fully and making better use of their time, they typically think of finding some new organizational system they can structure their lives with.
Oliver Burkeman says that what you really need instead are perspective shifts — small, sustainable changes in how you view and approach your day-to-day life. He provides those mindset shifts in his new book, Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. And we talk about some of them today on the show, including why you should view life's tasks and problems like a river instead of a bucket, stop feeling guilt over your "productivity debt," make peace with your decisions by embracing an unconventional reading of the poem "The Road Not Taken," aim to do your habits "dailyish," be more welcoming of interruptions, and practice "scruffy hospitality."
Resources Related to the Podcast
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