Society Archives

Do Nothing: Celeste Headlee’s Call to Embrace True Leisure

Do you feel pressured to produce? Are you overworking and “underliving”? In Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee argues that, by trying to do too much, people are working less efficiently. This is because the human brain isn’t designed to multitask and work without rest. Even more, the culture of overworking has led to worse health outcomes and more social isolation. Continue reading for an overview of this book that shows you how to free your life from the tyranny of work.

America’s Work Ethic: The Cultural Pressure to Overwork

Is hard work a virtue? Is wealth a sign that someone’s a good person? American culture places a high value on hard work and productivity. This is a problem, according to radio journalist Celeste Headlee. In her book Do Nothing, she discusses where this value comes from. Read more to learn how America’s work ethic has been shaped over time.

AI Copyright Lawsuits Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

What is copyright and what’s its relevance in the digital era? How will courts determine the legality of generative AI training and content creation that draws from copyrighted material? A growing number of lawsuits complain that AI tools are being trained and producing content based on copyrighted material. Courts are in the early stages of determining whether AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials to train, create, and sell content is fair use or copyright infringement. Below, we’ll explore AI copyright lawsuits and issues.

Today’s Productivity Culture: Why We’re Obsessed With Work

Do you work more than you need to? Do you feel pressured to stay busy? Celeste Headlee writes that our modern productivity culture largely stems from changing perceptions of how valuable one’s time is and the pressure to achieve a more glamorous lifestyle. She also contends that the pressures can be even higher for women. Continue reading for this important discussion about the productivity-obsessed culture of today.

How Can a Business Be Socially Responsible?

What does it mean to have social responsibility? How can a business be socially responsible? Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf believes that servant leaders will ensure that the businesses they belong to fulfill their social responsibility. They’ll do this by changing these businesses from the inside out with a clear vision of a better path forward. If you’re a leader who wants to avoid business failures by being socially responsible, keep reading.

What Does “Tragedy of the Commons” Mean? Pinker Explains

What does “tragedy of the commons” mean? How do you participate in it, and how does it affect you? In his book Rationality, Steven Pinker explores why people make irrational decisions. He discusses game theory, which seeks to explain how rational thinking can go out the window when an individual’s needs are in competition with others’ needs. The tragedy of the commons is an example of this. Keep reading to learn about this fascinating—and sometimes devastating—dynamic.

How to Offset Tourism’s Carbon Footprint & Travel Responsibly

How much pollution does the tourism industry actually cause? Is it possible to travel the world without polluting it? When we travel, we’re supposed to “leave nothing but footprints,” but tourism’s carbon footprints can wreak havoc on the planet. Thankfully, there are ways to travel responsibly and to give back to local communities, wildlife, and the planet. Here are some tips for seeing the world without harming it in the process.

Rationality in Game Theory: Steven Pinker Explores 3 Games

When is it rational to act irrationally? How might irrational thinking devastate an entire community? Steven Pinker examines how people make rational decisions as part of a group. He discusses game theory, which looks at how rational thinking is affected when the needs of an individual are pitted against the needs of others. In this context, he explains the zero-sum game, the volunteer’s dilemma, and the tragedy of the commons. Continue reading to understand rationality in game theory with examples from Pinker.

How Myside Bias Fuels Irrationality & an “Us vs. Them” Mentality

Which do you value more—the truth or fitting in? Do you allow your group’s beliefs to trump your better judgment? Most people agree on the importance of rational thinking and behavior. Still, irrationality is rampant. Steven Pinker explores why people hold irrational beliefs such as paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories in his book Rationality. He identifies myside bias as one of the culprits. Read more to learn about this all-too-common tendency that impacts individuals and society as a whole.

Is Peak TV Dead, or Are We Just Entering a New Era?

What is Peak TV? Why are some people saying it’s dead? What does the future hold for viewers whose days of choosing from an overwhelming abundance of programming are allegedly over? Peak TV is dead—and the days of Americans being able to choose from the greatest-ever number of original scripted shows is over, according to some. With rising production costs, lagging streaming adoption rates, and strikes, some argue that programming will decline, while others say it’s simply a new era. Keep reading to find out whether Peak TV is really dead or not.