Darwin worked only four hours a day. Humans have been walking on earth for 300,000 years, while sitting behind a desk for just 200. Is your desk becoming more and more like your home? Workaholism is not disguised arrogance; it is a cry of despair...

We work tirelessly to live better, trying to exercise our body and mind in every way possible to become as “effective” as we can. The result, however, often seems disproportionate to the effort: we work more instead of less, we live more difficult lives, we become more anxious, and, many times, lonelier. Should we simply take a pause?

In this book, American award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee proposes another way that requires a complete shift in our thinking. The goal is to stop putting obstacles in our own way towards well-being and start living meaningfully rather than just getting through the day.

Combining data and lessons from Neuroscience, Social Sciences, and History, even from Paleontology, Headlee examines the prevailing opinions on time management, laziness, hard work, and even the meaning of life, revealing that many of the habits we adopt that ultimately harm us are values that have emerged relatively recently in human history, which means it might be easier than we think to free ourselves from them...

“If you are one of those who feel the solution is to work more, this book is a compelling call to work smarter, because very often we achieve more by doing less.” Adam Grant, author of NYT bestsellers Originals and Think Again.

“Although people are working harder than ever, they have never been more melancholic and anxious. Undoubtedly, the modern lifestyle does not help us. In fact, it exhausts us. What should we do? With intelligence, insight, and empathy, Headlee provides us with realistic solutions to reclaim our health and humanity. I am grateful to have read this book. It delivers on its promise for a better life.” Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love

“A delightful antidote to the toxic culture of haste and burnout.” Arianna Huffington