The Rising Tide of Slowness
Digest
This episode of Critics at Large delves into the concept of "slowness culture" and its increasing prominence in self-improvement and broader cultural spheres. The hosts discuss the paradoxical nature of slowness within self-improvement, where the pursuit of betterment often involves hard work and hustle, while slowness encourages relaxation and deliberate action. They explore the origins of this trend, tracing its roots back to the early 2000s with figures like Carl Honoré and the rise of books like Jenny O'Dell's "How to Do Nothing." The conversation then shifts to the potential political implications of slowness culture, questioning whether it can be a catalyst for societal change or simply another commodified trend. The hosts grapple with the tension between individual action and collective change, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of leisure and the challenges of achieving a truly slow and sustainable society. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of reclaiming humanness and engaging with the world without immediate productive ends, emphasizing the need for public spaces and a collective shift towards a more balanced and mindful approach to time.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "What Happened in Alabama?" and its host, Lee Hawkins, who investigates his family history and the trauma of his father's upbringing in Alabama. The podcast also features Naomi Fry, Vincent Cunningham, and Alex Schwartz, hosts of "Critics at Large," a podcast from The New Yorker that explores cultural trends and their impact on society.
Slowness Culture: A Trend in Self-Improvement
This Chapter delves into the concept of "slowness culture" and its growing popularity in the self-improvement sphere. The hosts discuss the paradoxical nature of slowness within self-improvement, where the pursuit of betterment often involves hard work and hustle, while slowness encourages relaxation and deliberate action. They explore the origins of this trend, tracing its roots back to the early 2000s with figures like Carl Honoré and the rise of books like Jenny O'Dell's "How to Do Nothing."
The Political Potential of Slowness Culture
This Chapter examines the potential political implications of slowness culture, questioning whether it can be a catalyst for societal change or simply another commodified trend. The hosts grapple with the tension between individual action and collective change, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of leisure and the challenges of achieving a truly slow and sustainable society.
Slowness and Privilege
This Chapter explores the potential privilege associated with slowness, highlighting how it often relies on the labor and productivity of others. The hosts discuss the importance of recognizing the systemic inequalities that make slowness a luxury for many, and the need for a more equitable distribution of leisure.
Slowness and Economics
This Chapter delves into the economic implications of slowness, drawing on the book "Slow Down" by Japanese writer Kohei Saito. The hosts discuss the argument that the pursuit of endless growth has led to environmental degradation and social inequality, and that a shift towards degrowth communism is necessary to address these issues.
The Crisis of Time
This Chapter explores the idea that our culture is experiencing a wider crisis around time, driven by factors such as globalization, social media, and the looming threat of environmental collapse. The hosts discuss the anxieties and pressures associated with this crisis and the potential role of slowness culture in addressing it.
Slowness as a Practice
This Chapter examines the practicalities of slowness, acknowledging that it can be challenging to fully embrace and that individual actions may not always lead to significant change. The hosts discuss the importance of engaging in slowness practices even if they don't always feel completely effective, and the need for a collective shift towards a more balanced and mindful approach to time.
Reclaiming Time
This Chapter concludes with a reflection on the importance of reclaiming humanness and engaging with the world without immediate productive ends. The hosts discuss the need for public spaces and a collective shift towards a more balanced and mindful approach to time, drawing inspiration from the Jewish tradition of the Sabbath and the idea of "reclaiming your time."
Keywords
Slowness Culture
A cultural trend that emphasizes slowing down, doing things more deliberately, and prioritizing rest and relaxation in opposition to the hustle and bustle of modern life. It often involves practices like mindful breathing, taking leisurely walks, and engaging in activities without immediate productive ends.
Self-Improvement
A broad category of practices and philosophies aimed at personal growth and development. It often involves setting goals, developing skills, and adopting new habits to improve one's life in various areas, such as health, relationships, and career.
Carl Honoré
A British author and speaker known for his work on slowness culture. His 2004 book "In Praise of Slow" is considered a seminal work in the movement, advocating for a slower pace of life and a more mindful approach to time.
Jenny O'Dell
An American writer and artist known for her books "How to Do Nothing" and "Saving Time." Her work explores the impact of the attention economy on our lives and advocates for resisting the constant pressure to be productive and connected.
Attention Economy
A concept that describes the way in which our attention has become a valuable commodity in the digital age. Companies and individuals compete for our attention, often through strategies that exploit our psychological vulnerabilities and create a sense of urgency and scarcity.
Degrowth Communism
A political and economic ideology that advocates for a reduction in economic activity and a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable society. It challenges the capitalist model of endless growth and proposes a system based on collective ownership and democratic control of resources.
Greenwashing
A marketing strategy used by companies to portray themselves as environmentally friendly even if their practices are not sustainable. It often involves using misleading language and imagery to create a false impression of environmental responsibility.
Sabbath
A day of rest and spiritual reflection observed by Jews. It is a time to refrain from work and to focus on family, community, and spiritual practices. The Sabbath is seen as a reminder of the importance of slowing down and prioritizing rest and connection.
Abraham Joshua Heschel
A Jewish theologian and philosopher known for his work on the Sabbath and the importance of spiritual experience. His book "The Sabbath" is a classic text that explores the meaning and significance of the Sabbath in Jewish tradition and its relevance to modern life.
Maxine Waters
An American politician who has served as a U.S. Representative for California's 43rd congressional district since 1991. She is known for her outspoken advocacy for social justice and her calls for action against systemic racism and inequality.
Q&A
What is "slowness culture" and how has it become a defining part of better living?
Slowness culture is a trend that emphasizes slowing down, doing things more deliberately, and prioritizing rest and relaxation in opposition to the hustle and bustle of modern life. It has become a defining part of better living by offering a counterpoint to the constant pressure to be productive and achieve, suggesting that a slower pace of life can lead to greater well-being and fulfillment.
What are some of the potential political implications of slowness culture?
Slowness culture has the potential to be a catalyst for societal change by challenging the capitalist model of endless growth and advocating for a more equitable distribution of leisure. However, it also faces the challenge of being commodified and appropriated by corporations and individuals who may not truly embrace its principles.
How can we reconcile the tension between individual action and collective change in the context of slowness culture?
Reconciling this tension requires a shift in our understanding of time and a recognition of the systemic inequalities that make slowness a privilege for many. It involves advocating for policies that promote a more equitable distribution of leisure and working towards a society that values rest and connection over constant productivity.
What are some of the key figures and works that have shaped the slowness movement?
Key figures include Carl Honoré, author of "In Praise of Slow," and Jenny O'Dell, author of "How to Do Nothing" and "Saving Time." These works explore the impact of the attention economy on our lives and advocate for resisting the constant pressure to be productive and connected.
What are some of the challenges and limitations of slowness culture?
Challenges include the potential for slowness to be commodified and appropriated by corporations and individuals who may not truly embrace its principles. Additionally, slowness can be a privilege for those who have the time and resources to engage in it, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of leisure.
What are some practical ways to embrace slowness in our daily lives?
Practical ways include engaging in mindful breathing, taking leisurely walks, and engaging in activities without immediate productive ends. It also involves challenging the constant pressure to be productive and connected, and prioritizing rest and connection over constant achievement.
What is the role of public spaces in promoting a culture of slowness?
Public spaces can play a crucial role in promoting a culture of slowness by providing opportunities for people to gather, relax, and connect without the pressure to be productive. Investing in public spaces can help create a more equitable and accessible environment for slowness.
How can we reclaim our time and create a more balanced and mindful approach to life?
Reclaiming our time involves challenging the capitalist model of endless growth and advocating for policies that promote a more equitable distribution of leisure. It also involves engaging in practices that prioritize rest and connection over constant productivity, and creating a society that values humanness and well-being over constant achievement.
What is the significance of the Sabbath in the context of slowness culture?
The Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual reflection observed by Jews, offers a powerful model for reclaiming time and prioritizing rest and connection. It reminds us that slowing down and engaging in meaningful activities is essential for our well-being and our ability to live a fulfilling life.
What is the message of this episode of Critics at Large?
The message of this episode is that slowness culture is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with both potential benefits and drawbacks. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with time, to question the relentless pursuit of productivity, and to strive for a more balanced and mindful approach to life.
Show Notes
In recent years, in the realms of self-improvement literature, Instagram influencers, and wellness gurus, an idea has taken hold: that in a non-stop world, the act of slowing down offers a path to better living. In this episode of Critics at Large, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz trace the rise of “slowness culture”—from Carl Honoré’s 2004 manifesto to pandemic-era trends of mass resignations and so-called quiet quitting. The hosts discuss the work of Jenny Odell, whose books “How to Do Nothing” and “Saving Time” frame reclaiming one’s time as a life-style choice with radical roots and revolutionary political potential. But how much does an individual’s commitment to leisure pay off on the level of the collective? Is too much being laid at the feet of slowness? “For me, it’s about reclaiming an aspect of humanness, just the experience of not having to make the most with everything we have all the time,” Schwartz says. “There can be a degree of self-defeating critique where you say, ‘Oh, well, this is only accessible to the privileged few.’ And I think the better framing is, how can more people access that kind of sitting with humanness?”
Read, watch, and listen with the critics:
“How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation,” by Anne Helen Petersen (BuzzFeed)
“How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy,” by Jenny Odell
“Improving Ourselves to Death,” by Alexandra Schwartz (The New Yorker)
“In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed,” by Carl Honoré
“The Sabbath,” by Abraham Joshua Heschel
“Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture,” by Jenny Odell
“Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto,” by Kohei Saito
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This episode originally aired on January 11, 2024.
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