Recently, I’ve been contemplating the evolving relationship between technology, productivity, and leisure in our lives. Bertrand Russell’s essay In Praise of Idleness has sparked some interesting thoughts, particularly when viewed through the lens of our modern, AI-driven world.

Russell argued that with technological advancements, we should be able to reduce working hours and increase leisure time. However, I’ve noticed a contradictory trend in my own behavior and that of many others. Despite the rapid development of AI and other cutting-edge technologies that enhance our productivity, we’re not using these tools to maintain our current output levels and enjoy more leisure time. Instead, many of us, myself included, find ourselves driven to push the boundaries of our productivity even further.

This tendency is particularly evident in the tech and knowledge work sectors. As AI assistants become more capable, rather than delegating tasks and stepping back, we often find ourselves exploring new ways to leverage these tools, learning new skills, and taking on more complex projects. It’s as if the potential for increased productivity has become a goal in itself, rather than a means to an end - a phenomenon that Russell might view as a misguided application of our technological capabilities.

This drive for constant self-improvement and productivity maximization is deeply ingrained in our modern work culture. We’ve been conditioned to view idle time as wasted opportunity, and the idea of simply maintaining our current level of output feels almost like stagnation. Russell would likely argue that this mindset is detrimental to our well-being and societal progress.

Alan Watts' insights in The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety provide an interesting supplement to Russell’s ideas. Watts describes how human desire tends to be insatiable, with us constantly chasing future pleasures at the expense of present enjoyment. This perspective aligns with our current productivity obsession - we’re always striving for more, never content with what we’ve already achieved.

The irony is that while these technologies have the potential to free up our time, as Russell envisioned, they often end up consuming more of it as we strive to stay ahead of the curve. We find ourselves in a perpetual cycle of learning, adapting, and optimizing, leaving little room for true leisure - the kind of leisure that both Russell and Watts saw as essential for human flourishing.

Perhaps it’s time to reflect on this paradox. Are we using technology to enhance our lives in the way Russell proposed, or are we allowing it to dictate an unsustainable pace of work and self-improvement? Maybe the real challenge in this age of AI isn’t how to be more productive, but how to resist the urge to constantly do more, and instead learn to appreciate the value of balance and occasional idleness - a sentiment that both Russell and Watts would likely endorse.

As I write this, I realize that I’m often caught in this productivity trap myself. It’s a difficult habit to break, especially when surrounded by rapid technological advancements. However, recognizing this tendency is perhaps the first step towards finding a healthier balance between leveraging technology for productivity and using it to create more space for leisure and personal growth - a balance that aligns with Russell’s vision of a society that values both work and leisure.