50 pages • 1 hour read
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout (2024) is a self-help book by Cal Newport, a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and bestselling author known for his work on productivity and digital culture. The book builds upon his previous works, such as Deep Work and A World Without Email, while aiming to introduce a comprehensive philosophy for sustainable productivity. Slow Productivity challenges the prevailing notion that increased busyness equates to better work, proposing instead a more intentional and measured approach to knowledge work. Newport offers a framework for accomplishing meaningful work without succumbing to the relentless pace and overwhelming demands of contemporary work environments.
This guide uses the 2024 Penguin Publishing Group 2024 eBook edition.
Summary
The book begins by introducing the concept of “slow productivity,” contrasting it with the overwhelming workloads and constant busyness that characterize many contemporary workplaces. Newport illustrates this contrast with an anecdote about writer John McPhee, who spent two weeks contemplating the structure of an article. Newport juxtaposes this deliberate approach with the current state of knowledge work, which prioritizes busyness. He notes how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues in work culture, leading to trends like the Unlock all 50 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
