4 ms·
Author here; I didn't (intentionally) lift the title—had no idea there was an article of a similar name already.
by endtwist 14y ago
Author here; I didn't (intentionally) lift the title—had no idea there was an article of a similar name already.
- netcan 14y agoIncidentally, I find it very interesting how differently you , the NYT article & dsirijus (top commenter paraphrasing but also interpreting you) are describing what is going on when people are "busy". NYT: Busyness serves as a kind of existential reassurance, a hedge against emptiness; obviously your life cannot possibly be silly or trivial or meaningless if you are so busy, completely booked, in demand.. You: I call it The “Work” Trap. What is it? It’s both a procrastination technique and a way of staying in your comfort zone while feeling or seeming productive. dsirijus: procrasinating makes you fail to deliver, guilt stops you from doing anything else (hence, "busy"), and not doing anything else makes you unproductive. Rinse and repeat..
- dsirijus 14y agoYes, I'd very much like to hear more from author on this.
- 001sky 14y agoGreat comment. This is an insightful summary & juxtaposition. Would also add: mental frame. Some people may decline to play checkers (too busy) even though pieces on their chess board are not in motion (not apparently busy). This is distinct to social signalling (NYT) and its not procrastination. Its meta productive (rational) if playing checkeers will decrease my focus and odds of winning at chess.
- jhull 14y agoGreat post. Felt similar sentiments and serendipitously was given a chance to travel to Africa and beyond for the good part of a year. So took it! http://engineerwithoutacause.com/without-a-cause.html http://engineerwithoutacause.com/without-a-cause.html