Four Thousand Weeks

More about the book

Time is a pressing concern, with many feeling there is never enough of it. Award-winning Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman offers a lively philosophical guide that moves beyond superficial efficiency solutions to embrace the joy found in the finitude of human life. With an average lifespan of around eighty years, individuals have just over four thousand weeks, a stark reminder of life's brevity. Amid our obsession with lengthy to-do lists, overflowing inboxes, and the relentless pursuit of work-life balance, we often receive an overload of productivity advice and life hacks. However, these techniques can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and hurry, leaving the most meaningful experiences perpetually out of reach. Burkeman highlights the connection between our daily struggles and the ultimate challenge of utilizing our limited time effectively. Drawing from ancient and contemporary thinkers, he presents an entertaining and profound exploration of time management. By rejecting the futile quest to accomplish everything, he offers tools for creating a meaningful life, revealing that many of our unhelpful perceptions of time are not fixed truths but choices we can change, both individually and collectively.