Auto-Exploitation, Positive Violence, and the Palliative Society: A Modern Philosopher’s Ideas for Making Sense of the Present Age
Apr 29, 2025
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Steven Knepper, a philosophy professor at the Virginia Military Institute, explores the modern malaise of burnout and boredom through the lens of Byung-Chul Han's thought. He discusses the alarming concept of 'auto-exploitation' in our achievement-driven culture and critiques the 'palliative society' that shuns suffering. Knepper emphasizes the importance of rituals, genuine relationships, and embracing profound boredom as remedies for our contemporary struggles, urging a deeper connection to life's mysteries instead of succumbing to digital distractions.
The concept of the 'burnout society' illustrates how relentless auto-exploitation leads to widespread feelings of exhaustion and dissatisfaction.
Han's idea of a 'palliative society' highlights the dangers of avoiding pain, which stifles authentic emotional connections and growth.
Embracing rituals and contemplative practices can significantly enhance life satisfaction and foster deeper connections in our fast-paced modern culture.
Deep dives
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Exploring Burnout and Modern Life
Feelings of burnout and boredom are increasingly common in today’s fast-paced society, as people grapple with the pressure to constantly achieve. Byung-Chul Han's philosophy presents a critical analysis of the 'burnout society,' identifying auto-exploitation as a core issue where individuals push themselves to achieve more without sufficient rest. This societal obsession with productivity not only leads to physical exhaustion but also diminishes overall life satisfaction and purpose. The discussion also addresses how this phenomenon manifests in everyday life, from workaholism to the relentless consumption of media.
The Palliative Society's Critique
Han characterizes contemporary society as one that seeks to eliminate pain and suffering at all costs, resulting in a superficial engagement with life's challenges. This 'palliative society' tends to avoid deeper emotional interactions, hindering personal growth and resilience. For instance, individuals may struggle to confront pain in relationships, focusing instead on comfort and avoidance. Han argues that authentic human experiences, such as love or achievement, often require enduring some level of discomfort or pain, which society now tries to bypass.
Rituals and Openness as Remedies
Han emphasizes the importance of rituals and contemplative practices to combat burnout and enhance overall life quality. Rituals instill a sense of structure in daily life, contrasting with the chaotic demands of achievement culture. Engaging in genuine relationships and cultivating an attitude of openness toward others can foster deeper connections and personal fulfillment. He advocates for experiencing moments of silence and solitude, as they can provide clarity and rejuvenation amidst the noise of modern existence.
The Role of Eros in Human Connections
Eros, for Han, represents the desire that draws individuals outward and fosters connections with others, transcending self-absorption. This deeper form of Eros encourages engagement with the world, enriching interpersonal relationships and enabling genuine interactions. By cultivating a mindset of friendliness and being receptive, people can experience more profound personal growth and connection. Han challenges individuals to move beyond surface-level engagement in both personal and artistic contexts, advocating for a richer, multifaceted experience of life.
Feelings of burnout and boredom have become prevalent in modern life. To understand the roots of and solutions to these issues, we can turn to both ancient philosophers and contemporary thinkers. Among the latter is Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han, whose thought-provoking analyses are gaining increasing recognition.
If you’re not yet familiar with Han’s philosophy, Steven Knepper, a professor at the Virginia Military Institute and the co-author of a new critical introduction to this modern philosopher’s work, will take us on a tour of some of Han’s key ideas. In the first part of our conversation, Steven unpacks Han’s concept of the “burnout society” and why so many of us feel tired from participating in what he calls “auto-exploitation” and “positive violence.” We then discuss how our burnout society is also a “palliative society” that tries to avoid suffering at all costs and how our obsession with health has turned us into a modern version of Nietzsche’s “last man.” We end our discussion with some of Han’s ideas for resisting the pitfalls of modernity, including embracing ritual, contemplation, and an openness to the mystery of others.
