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Economy & Finance

How to Do Nothing

Economy & Finance

How to Do Nothing

Jenny Odell

In 2015, Scott Polach’s artwork *Applause Encouraged* invited attendees to pause and appreciate a Pacific Ocean sunset, highlighting the concept of "attention-holding architecture," which fosters reflection often lost in daily distractions. This idea extends to spaces like the Morcom Amphitheater of Roses or practices like Pauline Oliveros’ deep listening, emphasizing the value of focused awareness. Historically, the fight for an eight-hour workday sought to reclaim leisure, but modern blurred boundaries between work and rest have commodified time, as seen in the gig economy’s relentless demands. Social media exacerbates this by reducing individuals to curated brands, stifling authenticity and growth. Yet, moments of stillness, like noticing ambient sounds in John Cage’s *4’33”*, reveal overlooked beauty and meaning. Ancient wisdom, such as Zhuang Zhou’s “The Useless Tree,” and real-world examples like the enduring “Old Survivor” redwood, remind us that value lies beyond productivity, urging a reevaluation of what truly matters. The next chapter will explore this alternative path to fulfillment.

12 min

6 Bite

Aperçu

De quoi s'agit-il ?

In a world driven by productivity and constant motion, this book invites readers to pause and reconsider the value of stillness, attention, and unstructured time. Through vivid examples ranging from art installations and ancient philosophy to modern psychology and the gig economy, it explores how our perception of usefulness and success has been shaped—and how it can be reimagined. By examining the interplay between mindfulness, societal pressures, and personal growth, the narrative challenges us to find meaning in the overlooked and the unplanned. It’s a thought-provoking journey into reclaiming the richness of simply being.

Résumé du livre

Jenny Odell is an artist and writer based in Oakland, California. She teaches at Stanford University and has been an artist-in-residence at Facebook, the Internet Archive, the San Francisco Planning Department, and the San Francisco garbage dump. Her art has been exhibited in galleries around the world.

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Toutes les bouchées

6 Bites

Chasing Time: The Vanishing Divide

Curating Ourselves: The Cost of Digital Conformity

Thriving Beyond Utility: Embracing Life's Hidden Value

Rediscovering Wonder: The Art of Paying Attention

Unlocking Hidden Worlds Through Stillness

Shifting Perspectives: Finding Calm in Chaos

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