Notes from the Weekend & this Week’s Links 19.08.24

LAST WEEK I came across a thought-provoking quote by David Cain about work:

“But the 8-hour workday is too profitable for big business, not because of the amount of work people get done in eight hours … but because it makes for such a purchase-happy public. Keeping free time scarce means people pay a lot more for convenience, gratification, and any other relief they can buy. It keeps them watching television, and its commercials. It keeps them unambitious outside of work.”

I thought about this idea at length, and couldn’t help drawing parallels with social media use. Both the traditional work structure and social media engagement can be seen as systems that limit personal time and encourage consumerism. And constant social media engagement, like a demanding work schedule, can reduce time and energy for pursuing personal goals or hobbies outside of online life. Furthermore, the information overload from social media can overwhelm users, making it harder to focus on personal growth or critical thinking—much like how limited free time can stifle ambition beyond work. This comparison brings up serious questions about how we allocate our time and attention, and the potential consequences for our personal development and consumer behaviour. It’s a perspective worth considering, I think, and a lens through which we might view our daily choices.

In other (sad) news, the French actor and film producer Alain Delon passed away on Sunday. An iconic and cultural figure of the 20th century (and international sex symbol), Delon was among the most prominent European actors of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. In January of this year, the actor was reported to be in poor health and living a reclusive lifestyle at his La Brûlerie estate in Douchy. Alain Delon passed away at his home on August 18, surrounded by family. He was 88.

Last week’s newsletter was the 16th edition of the regular series, Listening, Reading, Thinking, Shopping, Watching and this instalment includes my summer so far; the influential feminist philosophical work I’m currently reading; cookie pizzas in Paris; the things I make and the photos I take; and more. You can read it here. Recently, I also wrote about the enshittification of Substack, and you can read that article here.

This week’s links include thoughts on authencity; cosy brown coats for autumn days; things to pack for your next trip; the last summer whites, and much, much more.

xo,