Periagoge
Scenario

When book clubs become self-improvement projects instead of leisure

Our book club used to be this wonderful excuse to drink wine and have deep conversations, but now everyone feels pressure to have intelligent insights and we've started choosing books based on what will make us 'better people' rather than what we might actually enjoy. The discussions feel more like performances than genuine exchanges, and I think we're all there out of obligation rather than genuine pleasure, but no one wants to admit it.

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The optimization mindset has transformed even recreational activities into vehicles for personal development, draining them of spontaneous joy.

Your guide for this
Nas
Nas works with people navigating exactly this kind of situation.
Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Leisure — what it means and why we've lost it?”

Peri

Peri can explain why this happens, help you decide if this is the right situation for you, and point toward the right journey or coach.

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.