Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

While Oliver Burkeman rejects the idea that we will be able to get everything done, he still frames life as a series of projects directed toward personal growth. Why, according to the Burkeman and others, should we not let go of a project-oriented lifestyle completely?

How does our society define productivity? Are there different ways to interpret this concept? If so, what are they?

Burkeman stresses that the relentless focus on productivity is a cultural phenomenon, rather than an innate human instinct. Research how different cultures around the world relate to time and discuss how their concepts differ from the American model Burkeman identifies. Are there any cultures that naturally align more with Burkeman’s recommendations? If so, in what way, and are people there happier as a result?