How to Do Nothing

Resisting the Attention Economy

By: Jenny Odell

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

A galvanizing critique of the forces vying for our attention - and our personal information - that redefines what we think of as productivity, reconnects us with the environment, and reveals all that we've been too distracted to see about ourselves and our world

Nothing is harder to do these days than nothing. But in a world where our value is determined by our 24/7 data productivity . . . doing nothing may be our most important form of resistance.

So argues artist and critic Jenny Odell in this field guide to doing nothing (at least as capitalism defines it). Odell sees our attention as the most precious - and overdrawn - resource we have. Once we can start paying a new kind of attention, she writes, we can undertake bolder forms of political action, reimagine humankind's role in the environment, and arrive at more meaningful understandings of happiness and progress.

Far from the simple anti-technology screed, or the back-to-nature meditation we hear so often, How to Do Nothing is an action plan for thinking outside of capitalist narratives of efficiency and techno-determinism. Provocative, timely, and utterly persuasive, this book is a four-course meal in the age of Soylent.

©2019 Jenny Odell (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

But the print copy

The message of this book could have been so powerful if the narrator was better. Buy a print copy of this book and you will get a lot more out of it. This topic is very very relevant right now though, so worth the read. Reminds us of how precious our minds, environment and culture is and how phones, apps and capitalism are changing the face of the way we live.

A great guide for how to return to the good life

This book is about more than 'doing nothing,' which is indeed not what we should be doing to counter the damage that we've done in our anthropocene, but focuses more on how to make better use of our precious time here on earth. To counter the capitalist machine and tap into the inherent joy that is living and loving as a human being in a complex world, we must live with intention. This book captures the essence of the beautiful struggle to find happiness in an age of digital obsession and instant gratification with a lens pointed to nature; it guides us to an alternative way to find meaning in life.

Interesting

Pay attention, learn, read, be skeptical and engage with your community. Create balance in your life.

Can't get past narrators robot voice

I know the book is fabulous. Started reading it. However, her computerized narration is so distracting I can't focus on the content.

Early chapters fascinating

This was a meandering listen. I got quite a lot of insight (and some bonus art education) from the early chapters but less as the book went on. The narrator sounded like she was upset throughout, which was distracting.

Much needed reminder to log off —

But not tune out — the social and political struggles of our time. Find your people and seek real connection.

Is this a joke ? Alexa is the narrator?

I was like is this someone’s idea of irony? The anti tech book narrated by a robot ? Barely listenable. The cadence is so non human.

Interesting but sometimes repetitive and grandstanding

I enjoyed reading the book but I struggle to get to the finish line, the ideas are useful but could be condensed.

Listen to part of it first

I was surprised at how angry the tone of this book is. That it really is an activist book disguised in self help language. I believe there is some ideas of merit in here but it is bitter, angry, moralizing, politicized. Not for me. Maybe for you. Give it a try.

I prefer not to…

Within the pages there are some important messages, but unfortunately they get lost in the hyperbole and stories about birdwatching. I was disappointed the message was not more forthright and powerful as it is an important message to hear.

I was reminded more than once I was Victor Frankl’s classic book about how we can bring meaning to life.

It’s no question that social media has had an impact. It really doesn’t seem to be any clear direction where we’re headed and the book does not provide any real help.