[Philosophical Reflection] The Anesthesia Named "Busyness" — Learning from Tim Kreider and Pascal about the "Existential Void" of Being Busy
Introduction: The "Spell" Cast on Tuesday Night
Tuesday night. At this time, as we head toward the middle of the week, we exchange the word "busy" as a substitute for a greeting. In modern society, the word "busy" is no longer just a status report. It is a defense mechanism we use unconsciously, and at the same time, a status symbol to boast about our own value.
Essayist Tim Kreider pointed out in his contribution to the New York Times, "The Busy Trap," that "busyness is a form of self-deception to fill an existential void." Why do we cling so tightly to the identity of being "busy"?
Let's delve into this from a philosophical perspective. Kreider's observation resonates deeply with the fundamental human anxiety discussed by the 17th-century philosopher Blaise Pascal in his "Pensées." Pascal argued that humans cannot "sit still in a room" because they are trying to escape from the meaninglessness of their existence and the fear of death. This concept of "divertissement" (diversion) becomes the key to philosophically interpreting modern busyness.
Chapter 1: The Dual Structure of "Rejection" and "Proof"
The word "busy" has two powerful functions.
First, it is a justification for rejection. We do not have the courage to clearly say "NO" to requests from others. By saying "I'm busy," we can protect our boundaries without damaging human relationships. This is a "safe shelter" in interpersonal relationships. For example, when turning down an invitation from a friend, saying "I'm busy" avoids hurting the other person's feelings, but essentially, it obscures one's own choices.
Second, it is proof of one's existence value. In a capitalist society, the formula "busy person = person in demand = competent person" is established. Being idle is feared as being synonymous with social death. As Pascal pointed out, humans immerse themselves in the "diversion" of busyness to escape the fear of facing their own meaninglessness.
This is the opposite of the "ataraxia" (tranquility) aimed for by the ancient Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus, a state where one loses inner peace by depending on external activities. Kreider also calls this "anesthesia for an existential void," which leads to Martin Heidegger's concept of "Dasein"—the "falling" (Verfallen) into the world, escaping from one's authentic self.
Chapter 2: The Sin of "Abandoning Priorities"
However, the truth we must face most directly is that the word "busy" signifies the abandonment of sovereignty.
"I'm too busy to exercise," "I'm too busy to read." This is a lie. To be precise, one should say, "I have chosen to prioritize the demands of others or urgent tasks over exercise or reading."
The moment you use the word "busy," you become a victim of life. You are admitting that you have entrusted the steering of your time to your environment or others.
This is nothing other than "mauvaise foi" (bad faith) as described in Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialism. Sartre criticized the fact that because humans are free, they abandon that freedom and live in "bad faith." Using busyness as an excuse is precisely a form of this "bad faith," and philosophically speaking, it hinders one from living their existence authentically.
Conclusion: A Linguistic Shift from "Busy" to "Prioritizing"
Wise individuals do not lament their busyness; they speak of their priorities. Starting tomorrow, let's make the word "busy" a forbidden term. Instead, declare this:
"I am currently prioritizing [X]."
It is a small but great linguistic revolution to return from being a victim chased by tasks to a "sovereign" who chooses their life. This shift is a philosophical practice that actively affirms the self, much like Nietzsche's "will to power."
Are you truly "busy"? Or have you simply not clarified your priorities? With this question in your heart, I hope you reflect on your daily life.
References and Keywords
Tim Kreider: "The Busy Trap"
Blaise Pascal: "Pensées" (Diversion and Existential Anxiety)
Jean-Paul Sartre: "Being and Nothingness" (Bad Faith)
Martin Heidegger: "Being and Time" (Dasein and Falling)
Greg McKeown: "Essentialism" (Less but Better)
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