Saralnama
In his book The Burnout Society, South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that modern society is dominated by an imperative to achieve, creating an “achievement society” where individuals must constantly self-promote and brand themselves, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Leisure, instead of providing rest, often becomes another form of work or competition. Philosopher Ross Channing Reed connects Han’s analysis to Aristotle’s concept of true happiness, or eudaimonia, which requires ethical self-development through virtuous habits formed over time. Aristotle emphasizes that genuine leisure is essential for moral growth, reflection, and forming a consistent relationship with oneself, contrasting with the achievement society’s pressure to perform. Reed suggests that free time not consumed by self-promotion allows individuals to cultivate character and make reasoned choices toward the good life. Without such leisure, people risk burnout and failing to achieve true flourishing. The article highlights the tension between societal pressures and philosophical ideals of happiness and moral development. (Updated 20 Aug 2025, 01:17 IST; source: link)