Jumia Books The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han

The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han is a profound philosophical meditation on the psychological toll of contemporary life. In this compact yet powerful volume, Han—one of Europe’s most provocative thinkers—argues that today’s culture of relentless productivity, digital saturation, and self-improvement has created a new epidemic: burnout.

Unlike past societies defined by external repression, Han suggests that ours is shaped by internalized pressure. We are no longer oppressed by others—we oppress ourselves through compulsive achievement, constant connectivity, and the illusion of freedom. This shift from a “disciplinary society” to an “achievement society” leads to exhaustion, depression, and anxiety, not because we are forced to work, but because we believe we must always be optimizing ourselves.

Key themes explored in the book include:

The tyranny of positivity: How the demand to always be upbeat and productive masks deeper suffering.

Digital overload: The impact of constant stimulation and social media on attention, intimacy, and identity.

Self-exploitation: Why modern individuals willingly push themselves beyond limits, confusing freedom with pressure.

The erosion of contemplation: How silence, slowness, and reflection are disappearing in favor of speed and multitasking.

Han’s writing is concise, poetic, and deeply unsettling. Drawing on philosophy, psychoanalysis, and cultural theory, The Burnout Society offers a stark diagnosis of our times—and a call to reclaim stillness, solitude, and genuine human connection.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in mental health, digital culture, or the philosophical underpinnings of modern stress. Part of the Stanford Briefs series, it’s ideal for thoughtful readers seeking clarity in an age of chaos.