Think about how fast a week flies by. Then take a moment to sit with the fact that, if you live to be 80 years old (slightly above the average life expectancy in the US), you’ll get only four thousand of them.
How do we make the best use of our time, given its extreme limitations? That’s the question Oliver Burkeman tackles in his hard-hitting, poignant, and achingly beautiful nonfiction book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Rather than a typical productivity book that gives tips for getting more done in the day, Four Thousand Weeks takes a broader, almost philosophical approach to time management. Burkeman argues throughout that recognizing — and embracing — our finite time on Earth is the key to using our time in ways that matter.
Personally, I didn’t agree with every point Burkeman made, but the text was all the more valuable for that. Reading this book gave me a golden opportunity to interrogate my own beliefs and values and the way that I orient myself to the concept of time. Four Thousand Weeks was top-notch food for thought, and full of both unforgettable quotes and gut-punching prose. I love nonfiction books written by journalists for this reason; they know exactly how to parse ideas and present concepts in ways that not only make you understand but show you why you should care.
This thoughtful and impactful book has shot to the top of my list of nonfiction favorites, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone — starting with you, reader!
Thank you for exploring with us! Until next time, may the pages and paths ahead of you be great.
