When we consume less—not just fewer tangible things but less news and chatter—and don’t try to figure out every detail ahead of time, we are able to listen to our instincts more.
"We have almost forgotten how to just do something, be free and spontaneous, enjoy the moment and immerse ourselves in the present," says philosopher Roman Krznaric. Tananyaa Pithi/Shutterstock
When we consume less—not just fewer tangible things but less news and chatter—and don’t try to figure out every detail ahead of time, we are able to listen to our instincts more. Three philosophers talk about the benefits of this.
‘Less information means more wisdom.’—Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton is a British philosopher who advocates for less information, fewer books, and less news. He believes we should return to and reread centuries-old books and texts, for example, with great ideas: quality over quantity.
“We pay a price for all the information we consume these days: We know less. We are constantly distracted by our phones, and it is nearly impossible to concentrate anymore, sit still, and think without the urge to reach for our phone.
Trusting Your Instincts
‘Less information means more wisdom.’—Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton is a British philosopher who advocates for less information, fewer books, and less news. He believes we should return to and reread centuries-old books and texts, for example, with great ideas: quality over quantity.