Enjoy this book Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell.

Jenny Odell’s Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock builds on her earlier work, How to Do Nothing, by delving deeper into the concept of time and how it shapes our lives, society, and environment. Odell’s central argument is that the traditional structures of time, particularly those driven by industrialization and capitalism, have not been designed with human wellness or the natural world in mind. Instead, they serve the interests of productivity and profit, often to the detriment of individual and collective well-being.

The book begins by challenging the notion that time is neutral or natural. Odell traces the historical development of modern time-keeping practices, starting from the industrial revolution. During this period, people’s time began to be meticulously measured and regulated, primarily to increase efficiency in factories and workplaces. This shift in how we understand time—moving from more natural rhythms like sunrise and sunset to rigid schedules dictated by the clock—profoundly transformed human experience, creating a world where productivity became the defining measure of value.

Odell unpacks how this commodification of time infiltrates almost every aspect of our lives, from work to leisure. In today’s hyper-connected world, time is increasingly seen as a resource that must be optimized. We are bombarded with tools and strategies designed to make us more efficient, faster, and more productive, often at the expense of our mental health and our connection to the natural world. Odell critically examines how this view of time fosters burnout, anxiety, and a disconnection from the present moment.

One of the strengths of Saving Time is how Odell weaves in alternative conceptions of time, particularly those rooted in non-Western and indigenous cultures. She contrasts the relentless pace of modern life with slower, cyclical, and more relational ways of experiencing time. For example, she explores how some communities in the Global South view time as something tied to relationships, seasons, and ecological rhythms rather than deadlines and productivity. These examples offer readers an invitation to reconsider the way they move through life and question whether the clock should dictate the pace of their existence.

Environmental concerns play a significant role in the book as well. Odell connects our obsession with time and productivity to broader patterns of ecological degradation. She argues that the same capitalist logic that treats human time as a resource to be maximized also treats the Earth’s resources in a similarly exploitative manner. By prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability, we have driven ourselves into a climate crisis. In this way, Odell highlights the need to align our concept of time with the natural world’s rhythms, such as the seasons or the cycles of growth and decay in ecosystems, to foster a more sustainable future.

A significant part of Saving Time is dedicated to envisioning a world where time is reclaimed from capitalist structures. Odell suggests that by shifting our focus from efficiency to intentionality, we can rediscover ways of living that are more fulfilling, humane, and environmentally sound. She encourages readers to slow down, resist the pressure to always be "on the clock," and take back control of their own time. Whether through mindfulness practices, engaging in creative work without the pressure of deadlines, or simply spending more time in nature, Odell advocates for small, everyday acts of resistance against the commodification of time.

Odell also critiques the mainstream notion of "work-life balance," suggesting that even this concept is trapped within a capitalist framework that reinforces the division of time into "productive" and "non-productive" segments. Instead, she advocates for a more holistic approach to time—one that recognizes the importance of rest, reflection, and relationships as essential components of a well-lived life.

One of the more profound insights in Saving Time comes from Odell’s exploration of the concept of "deep time"—a geological perspective that places human existence within the vast, unfathomable scale of the Earth’s history. This perspective challenges the notion that our time is limited or that we must constantly be rushing to achieve something. By contemplating the enormity of deep time, Odell encourages readers to step back from the frantic pace of modern life and consider what really matters in the long run.

Overall, Saving Time is not just a critique of modern society’s relationship with time; it’s also a call to action. Odell urges readers to rethink their relationship with time in ways that promote well-being, sustainability, and community. By doing so, she argues, we can begin to create a world that values life—human and non-human alike—over profit.

This book is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life or for those who are curious about how we might build a future that is more aligned with natural rhythms and the needs of all living beings.