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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Wow. The ideas in this book are so powerful.
Self improvement as an auto exploitive mechanism. Tiredness (burn out) as a symptom, tiredness (acceptance) as relief.
The ideas are profound and astute, in a subtle, creeping way that slowly reframes reality. Kind of like finally putting a name to that feeling you’ve had for a while now.
Self improvement as an auto exploitive mechanism. Tiredness (burn out) as a symptom, tiredness (acceptance) as relief.
The ideas are profound and astute, in a subtle, creeping way that slowly reframes reality. Kind of like finally putting a name to that feeling you’ve had for a while now.
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A great way of looking at our current way of life and how it leads to the negative experiences we continuously face. The proposal for a true vita contemplativa based on pause is enticing.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
It is my first philosophy book and Its hard. It is the most difficult book I read till and It is barely 70 pages.
For the book itself, I already had a view of the ideas presented here and It was insightful to get to know the reasons and in depth knowledge behind it I don't fully understand everything and for most of the chapters many references had been made from other philosophical work which I haven't read it yet and had to go with authors interpretation of it to get his narrative without conforming the real idea behind his references.
In short, It presents a overall view about ongoing burnout in society and among us and It was informative to get to know possible reasons behind it.
For the book itself, I already had a view of the ideas presented here and It was insightful to get to know the reasons and in depth knowledge behind it I don't fully understand everything and for most of the chapters many references had been made from other philosophical work which I haven't read it yet and had to go with authors interpretation of it to get his narrative without conforming the real idea behind his references.
In short, It presents a overall view about ongoing burnout in society and among us and It was informative to get to know possible reasons behind it.
challenging
informative
fast-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I read this book just after reading 'The Agony of Eros', and I think it was a good decision to read them one after the other, as I believe the two essays complement each other very well.
In The Burnout Society, Byung-Chul Han offers readers a deep and thoughtful analysis of our current society and the issues that threaten it. He describes the modern world as a society with an excess of positivity. This means that our society is no longer a disciplinary society like those analysed by Foucault. It is no longer dominated by repression, prohibition and explicit rules. Instead, the mechanisms of power and control have shifted completely. In 'The Burnout Society', the individual has internalised the values of productivity and efficacy, and the idea of always being the best version of yourself. It is the individual who exploits themselves in the name of liberty and efficiency.
Han criticises this excess of positivity and movement, and the unwritten rule of 'always doing something'. There is no room for negativity, pauses or inactivity. The author considers this negativity vital in society. Han understands the power of saying 'no' as a form of emancipation, rebellion, self-respect and self-preservation. Saying 'no' is powerful, not weak, and crucial for healthy individuals, yet our society lacks this ability.
Consequently, our society suffers from mental health problems. Hyperactivity, depression and anxiety are all symptoms of the way society works, with individuals always on the edge, always moving and always thinking. We don't allow ourselves a moment's rest for boredom. As a result, we are burned out, dissatisfied and exhausted.
I really enjoyed The Burnout Society and found it easier to read than The Agony of Eros, even though Han doesn't simplify his language or concepts — and I don't think he should. While I don't agree with his criticism of Foucault, the book provided great material for my philosophy exam and raised many contemporary questions that won't leave anyone indifferent.
In The Burnout Society, Byung-Chul Han offers readers a deep and thoughtful analysis of our current society and the issues that threaten it. He describes the modern world as a society with an excess of positivity. This means that our society is no longer a disciplinary society like those analysed by Foucault. It is no longer dominated by repression, prohibition and explicit rules. Instead, the mechanisms of power and control have shifted completely. In 'The Burnout Society', the individual has internalised the values of productivity and efficacy, and the idea of always being the best version of yourself. It is the individual who exploits themselves in the name of liberty and efficiency.
Han criticises this excess of positivity and movement, and the unwritten rule of 'always doing something'. There is no room for negativity, pauses or inactivity. The author considers this negativity vital in society. Han understands the power of saying 'no' as a form of emancipation, rebellion, self-respect and self-preservation. Saying 'no' is powerful, not weak, and crucial for healthy individuals, yet our society lacks this ability.
Consequently, our society suffers from mental health problems. Hyperactivity, depression and anxiety are all symptoms of the way society works, with individuals always on the edge, always moving and always thinking. We don't allow ourselves a moment's rest for boredom. As a result, we are burned out, dissatisfied and exhausted.
I really enjoyed The Burnout Society and found it easier to read than The Agony of Eros, even though Han doesn't simplify his language or concepts — and I don't think he should. While I don't agree with his criticism of Foucault, the book provided great material for my philosophy exam and raised many contemporary questions that won't leave anyone indifferent.