Where do hyperattention, hyper-productivity, and promoting constant personal improvement lead? To a burnout society, according to contemporary philosopher Byung-Chul Han. In this short video, professor Ellie Anderson discusses Han's book and some of the ideas he develops in it: The Burnout Society. Enjoy! Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, I hope to share an … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Burnout Society
No Hospitality Without Borders?
In a fascinating exploration of hospitality, philosopher Jacques Derrida, founder of "deconstruction", noted that, paradoxically, hospitality requires clear boundaries between the private and the public. For me to be able to exercise hospitality towards a guest, I need to feel that the integrity of my private sphere, my "at home" where I choose to welcome … Continue reading No Hospitality Without Borders?
Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
We all have experienced waiting. But could waiting be in danger of dying out as a phenomenon? Many of us do not like the feelings associated with waiting - the slow passing of time, the uncertainty, the sense of being stuck in some misty limbo land with no clear path in sight. So we try … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
From Going East to Becoming The East
"There are multiple horizons depending on one's point of view. There might be what is east of you, but also the east side of the city where you live, or the eastern side of the country. But somebody's "east" becomes "the East", as one side of the globe. "What is east (of me/us)" becomes "the … Continue reading From Going East to Becoming The East
Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
Managing one's own emotions and those of others is a form of labour. Some people get paid for this work (e.g., flight attendants). However, often the effort that goes into becoming an emotional management expert goes unnoticed and stays in the invisible background of what appear to be naturally flowing relationships. But what about another … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
The Relational Self
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What is Present Through Its Absence?
"[T]he "straight line" is what shapes the very tendency to go astray. What is astray does not lead us back to the straight line, but shows us what is lost by following that line."Sara Ahmed keep exploring!
Worlds and World-Travelling according to Maria Lugones
What world do you live in? Is it the same as the one I inhabit? What about your friends, family, each and every person you pass by in the street, and all those billions you will never meet? In one sense, we all inhabit the same world - our one and only pale blue dot, … Continue reading Worlds and World-Travelling according to Maria Lugones
Paradox of Effort and Effect of Repetition
"If we work hard at something, then it seems "effortless".This paradox - with effort it becomes effortless - is precisely what makes history disappear in the moment of its enactment. The repetition of the work is what makes the work disappear... [R]epetition of action takes us in certain directions: we are also orientating ourselves toward … Continue reading Paradox of Effort and Effect of Repetition
Sensation of Life: a lesson from feline philosophy
What can we learn from cats about the art of living a fulfilled life?
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