There is a specter haunting modern life: the cult of busyness. Social schedules are stuffed to the brim; work has become the source of our identities; a smartphone ensures that we are only one alert away from taking ourselves out of the moment. And yet, hellish as this existence can be, is it possible that we enjoy bragging about our state of overwork? In 2017, The Atlantic declared that “Ugh, I’m so busy” had become “the status symbol of our time.”1 It pointed to a recent study by US-based academics Silvia Bellezza, Neeru Paharia and Anat Keinan, who found that busy people are perceived as being “higher status”—a woman wearing a Bluetooth headset to conduct calls was seen as more important than one who wore headphones for music. This marks a huge reversal in how status is perceived. In the 19th century, This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
