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How to Do Nothing

summary ofHow to Do NothingBook by Jenny Odell

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You’ll learn

  • Why silence brings peace
  • How reflection drives evolution
  • What strength comes from adversity
  • How to foster community bonds

first KEY POINT

The act of doing nothing is actually one of the best ways to learn and gain inner peace

When people feel they do nothing, in most cases, they are actually making subconscious efforts to pick up information and register it in their brain. One of the techniques used in doing this is what's called Deep Listening — an act where the mind picks audible information subconsciously. Deep listening includes listening to the sounds of daily life, nature, etc. The act of listening defines the level of inner peace anyone can have, regardless of the person's state of mind. Listening absorbs the listener into a realm where he's suddenly more conscious of his environment.The power of doing nothing is lost in a lot of people — sometimes, doing nothing brings a better result than doing something. Over the years, people have employed inaction as a strategy for making the intentions known. Silence is a force that irritates oppressive powers and that's why you must learn the power in it.The inability to speak up might be corrected by not speaking at all. Inaction, when achieved, collectively sends a clear message to the powers that be. Jenny Odell has not only found a way to enhance the power of inaction, but she has succinctly explained why it's important and essential to the growth of the society. So, if you're feeling too oppressed to speak up or you're worried about being too active, this book by Jenny Odell is the life manual that you need.

second KEY POINT

Having a moment to yourself alone doing nothing helps you examine and evaluate your life and your current position

This phase of life is called the “removal” phase, and it’s built around doing nothing.There are some moments in your life when the best thing to do is nothing — boredom, as a product of nothingness gives you time to reflect on yourself a lot.A lot of people have commercialized their time, and have been made to believe that they can’t be productive if they waste their time doing nothing. There’s nothing admirable about being consistently productive immediately after you wake up. It would be best if you had enough time to yourself when you can do nothing and focus on yourself instead. In the words of Othello, the famous Greek general, “Leave me but a little time to myself.Doing nothing doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing things.

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first KEY POINT

The act of doing nothing negates the perceived order of the way life is supposed to go

second KEY POINT

The view with which you see things solely depends on you and your ability to interpret them well

third KEY POINT

Life can look unfair to you if you do not examine it from different angles

fourth KEY POINT

To seek context, you must first agree to the fact that you do not know the whole story

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Jenny Odell, a multidisciplinary artist and writer, explores the intersection of digital media and physical presence. She reevaluates the economy’s impact on personal and communal well-being.

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Frequently asked questions

What is How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy about?

How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy, written by Jenny Odell, explores the idea of reclaiming our time and attention from a society that constantly demands them. Odell argues for the need to cultivate a deeper relationship with nature, community, and ourselves, promoting a more intentional and fulfilling way of living.

What are key takeaways from How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy?

Key takeaways from How to Do Nothing include the importance of disengaging from the relentless cycle of distractions and consumerism, and instead, embracing moments of stillness. Odell emphasizes the value of mindfulness, presence, and the role of social engagement in resisting the attention economy's pull.

Is How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy worth reading?

Yes, How to Do Nothing is worth reading for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern distractions and seeking to find balance in their lives. Odell's thoughtful insights and actionable advice can provide valuable perspectives on creating a more purposeful existence.

How many pages is How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy and when was it published?

How to Do Nothing has 256 pages and was published on April 7, 2019. This provides readers with an engaging exploration of the themes surrounding attention and resistance in the digital age.

What insights does Jenny Odell offer in How to Do Nothing: Resisting The Attention Economy?

Jenny Odell offers insights on the importance of stepping back from the constant demands of the attention economy and embracing practices of mindfulness and community engagement. She invites readers to reflect on their relationship with technology and the natural world, advocating for intentionality in everyday life.