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The Art of Manliness

Feeling Depressed and Discombobulated? Social Acceleration May Be to Blame

Jan 8, 2024
Andrew Root, a theology professor, discusses the impact of social acceleration on modern life, particularly in religious contexts. He explores how the relentless pace of productivity leads to feelings of depression and discombobulation. Root delves into the shift in time perception, revealing how the pursuit of optionality can drown out genuine fulfillment. He highlights the challenge of navigating faith in a secular age, advocating for finding resonance and meaningful connections over mere speed and choices.
53:42

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Quick takeaways

  • Social acceleration leads to feelings of depression, exhaustion, and disconnection in modern life.
  • Living in a secular age means that belief systems are now contested and subject to personal validation and change.

Deep dives

The Impact of Social Acceleration on Modern Life

Modern life is characterized by social acceleration, which is the constant push to go faster and do more. This acceleration is not only seen in technology but also in our social lives and even our religious institutions. The desire for speed and reach has become deeply ingrained in our culture, shaping our ideas of what constitutes a good life. However, this constant acceleration leads to feelings of depression, exhaustion, and a sense of disconnection. As individuals and institutions strive to keep up with the demands of social acceleration, they find themselves in a constant race that never allows for rest or contentment.

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