Book · 2020 · Social Science
The Uncontrollability of the World
Why people recommend it
The Uncontrollability of the World by sociologist Hartmut Rosa is a philosophical essay that examines modern society's relentless drive to master and control every aspect of existence, and the alienation that results from this impulse. During an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show for an episode titled Burned Out? Start Here., guest Oliver Burkeman spoke with host Ezra Klein about the cultural obsession with productivity and the human struggle against burnout. In the course of discussing works that offer profound insights into modern psychological and societal pressures, Burkeman recommended Rosa's writing to the listeners. Specifically, Burkeman pointed the audience toward this particular shorter volume by Rosa, noting that while the author has also written much larger and more complex academic tomes, this concise book serves as an easily finishable and accessible entry point into Rosa's broader philosophical ideas. The recommendation provided listeners with a thoughtful resource for reflecting on why modern humans feel such immense pressure to manage and control their environments, and why relinquishing that impossible control might be the key to psychological well-being.
Who recommended it
- Oliver Burkeman Recommended
Oliver Burkeman — 1 mention
“he has um a small book called The uncontrollability of the world that he's also written a very big one but if we're going for easily finishable things let's go with that”