Meet us at The Stray to discuss The Burnout Society. (Digital copies available.) Newcomers welcome! We might not have the answers, but discussing together can expand our understanding.

We live in a demanding world. So much of our self-worth and our standing in society is tied to being productive. Every action, every relationship, every minute of free time has the potential to be mined for value. A society of entrepreneurs with only themselves to sell.

This is the premise of Byung-Chul Han’s book, The Burnout Society. The text suggests that the modern era, defined by advanced capitalism, is functionally ill. His prognosis is a steep case of burnout. He draws from literature and art to examine the pressures and beliefs that lead a person to treat every moment of their time to be poured out leaving us empty, too tired to connect to ourselves and our loved ones.

Han’s analysis raises big questions for activists and organizers. How can we engage as political actors without falling into the trap of self- exploitation? Is there room for space, time, and reflection in a world with obvious and concrete problems?

Join us to discuss these questions and explore some ways to do the work without it taking so much out of us. To be engaged without burning out.