Why Don't We Have a 15-hour Work Week?

This podcast episode explores the modern phenomenon of busyness and the detrimental effects it has on our well-being. Despite Keynes' vision of increased leisure and shorter work weeks, the reality is that people are working harder than ever, constantly striving to complete never-ending to-do lists. This culture of burnout and the efficiency trap keeps individuals perpetually busy and overwhelmed. The pressure to constantly be productive and maximize time leads to a cycle of seeking busyness for the sake of busyness, disregarding the true nature of time as a series of moments. Additionally, the challenges of measuring productivity in knowledge work have led to the adoption of pseudoproductivity and a focus on visible activity, resulting in less valuable work. The concept of slow productivity and a more humanistic approach to schedules and work are presented as alternatives. Ultimately, accepting our finite existence and making intentional choices about how we spend our time can lead to greater productivity and fulfillment.