I love this. How astute of Han to recognize that the pressures we place on ourselves are far more damaging than negative external pressure. And yet, this internal pressure is actually imposed by society. This makes it clear that we can live in an environment in which we are not conscious. Sounds like a call to wake up and see reality. Thank you!
Yes it’s the cult of performance … and what’s tricky about the achievement society is that it doesn’t feel like pressure at first, it feels like encouragement.
The push to “stay positive” and “be your best self” comes with a smile, not a threat.
But after a while, you realize it’s not kindness, it’s a quiet rule: no slowing down, no showing cracks, no saying you’re tired.
Amen to rest and reflection- the new wealth
I love this. How astute of Han to recognize that the pressures we place on ourselves are far more damaging than negative external pressure. And yet, this internal pressure is actually imposed by society. This makes it clear that we can live in an environment in which we are not conscious. Sounds like a call to wake up and see reality. Thank you!
Yes it’s the cult of performance … and what’s tricky about the achievement society is that it doesn’t feel like pressure at first, it feels like encouragement.
The push to “stay positive” and “be your best self” comes with a smile, not a threat.
But after a while, you realize it’s not kindness, it’s a quiet rule: no slowing down, no showing cracks, no saying you’re tired.
It’s exhausting to keep performing happiness.
Great summary. Han’s lens is sharp. For me, it falls down on the “what to do” part and starts to read like a sermon.
https://open.substack.com/pub/masroorshah/p/the-scent-of-time-book-review?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=643hzq
You may like this perspective of Byung Chul Han
“Finding liberation in the pause”. A friend one told me, when I expressed the need of rest, “You’re allowed.” It was the best advice ever given!