Turbo-capitalism

In the war against the cult of speed, the front line is inside our heads.

By Dr. Fred Hill

Twenty years ago I discovered a statement that helped me focus on the importance of balance in my life. It is a bit misleading, but helped. "Do less in more time." As technology becomes more abundant, efficient, and immediate, it also becomes more demanding and virtual. Technology has significantly contributed to a faster pace in our lives.

Author Carl Honoré calls to our attention "time-sickness" (Larry Dossey, 1982), which is the obsessive belief that time is getting away, that there isn’t enough of it, and that we must pedal faster and faster to keep up. We wonder why we are in such a rush. Is it possible or even desirable to slow down? Honoré’s work is insightful, interesting, and useful. And, if we desire to slow down, we can be assisted by it.

There is strong evidence that there is a human cost to turbo-capitalism. Long hours on the job, plus a continuation of job work at home, not to mention while on vacation (computers, reports, email, etc.) does take a toll on productivity, mental and physical health, and family life. Honoré says that if we carry on at the present rate the cult of speed can only get worse.

"In the war against the cult of speed, the front line is inside our heads," writes the author. Acceleration will remain the default setting until attitudes change. "We have to change the way we think. If we wish to slow down we must take time to examine if something is missing in our lives. This is the key.

"The great benefit of slowing down," Honoré continues, "is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections – with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our bodies and minds. Some call that living better. Others would describe it as spiritual." Would there be joy in living an unhurried life? Honoré thinks so. And he has lots of things for us to think about and try. Read this book and find them.

Dr. Fred E. Hill is a professor of Learning Resources and Technology Services, at St. Cloud State University.

In Praise of Slowness; How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honoré, HarperCollins, New York, 2004, ISBN 0-06-054578-x