Book SummaryHow to Do Nothing, by Jenny Odell

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of How to Do Nothing

In modern life, the need to always do something can be overwhelming. You may feel as though you have to use all your available time to advance your career or accomplish something productive. In How to Do Nothing, professor and visual artist Jenny Odell argues that this feeling is created by broader social and economic forces and that devoting attention to “non-productive” things is a form of healing and social activism. Odell’s suggestion of “doing nothing” refers not to inaction but rather to actions that don’t have clear or immediate value, like sitting in nature, making art for its own sake, or learning about an abstract topic that interests you. Our guide explores Odell’s argument in three parts:

• Part 1: The Attention Economy explains...

How to Do Nothing Summary Part 1: The Attention Economy

Before Odell discusses doing nothing, she first outlines the problems it’s meant to solve: the consequences of the attention economy, or the mindset of placing monetary value on time and attention. Part 1 of our guide explains how the attention economy works and explores its negative impacts.

(Shortform note: The concept of the attention economy was first proposed by 20th-century American psychologist and economist Herbert A. Simon and amounted to a shift in how to understand information. Simon suggested that instead of thinking of information—advertising, media, ideas, and so on—as a scarce commodity sought out by consumers, we should instead think of the attention of consumers as a scarce commodity sought out by information (or the people who create it). This understanding informs many of the economic shifts Odell discusses, as companies changed strategies to adapt to a new, information-rich world.)

How the Attention Economy Works

Odell explains that in the 1980s, corporate deregulation—the elimination of laws and rules regarding corporate...

How to Do Nothing Summary Part 2: What It Means to Do Nothing

After explaining what the attention economy is and why it’s harmful, Odell discusses different methods people have used to try and resist it. In Part 2, we’ll discuss the methods she believes are flawed and then outline her method of doing nothing.

Wrong Ways to Resist

Odell critiques two conventional methods people have tried using to resist the attention economy: running away from society and doing a temporary “detox.”

1) Running Away From Society

The first form of resistance Odell critiques is leaving society entirely—going “off the grid” in some kind of isolated location or commune. This common fantasy of running away is impractical and self-defeating, argues Odell. Trying to live outside of and separate from our capitalist system is nearly impossible, as it requires total self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, running away from society won’t necessarily get rid of the attention economy mindset of viewing time and attention in terms of monetary value—you can still bring these deep-seated beliefs with you and apply them to your new community.

Lastly, Odell argues that any benefit of running away isn’t worth having to sever all connections with the people,...

How to Do Nothing Summary Part 3: How to Do Nothing

After explaining why doing nothing is the best way to resist the attention economy, Odell elaborates on how to do nothing. In Part 3, we’ll explore the two elements of Odell’s method:

1. Changing how you use your attention
2. Changing how you use your time

Change How You Use Your Attention

Doing nothing requires changing how you use attention, explains Odell. In particular, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness—that is, noticing where you place your attention. Odell argues that you can take back control through self-awareness—by being aware of attention manipulation and value-based thinking.

(Shortform note: Being in the moment and noticing where you place your attention not only resists the attention economy but also can help in managing depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. This mental state is also known as mindfulness, and in the past few years, it has grown increasingly popular among therapists and psychologists as a therapeutic technique. Studies show mindfulness therapy and strategies like breathing exercises or meditation are [effective methods of treating anxiety, depression, and...

Shortform Exercise: Do Nothing

Consider how you can implement Odell’s approach to doing nothing—leaving behind the attention economy mindset and changing how you use attention and time.

Odell explains that doing nothing requires taking back control of your attention. Were there moments in the past day when your attention was manipulated? How can you avoid these manipulation tactics next time?