In How to Do Nothing, artist and writer Jenny Odell critiques the modern attention economy and its constant demands for productivity and engagement. Instead of advocating literal inactivity, Odell calls for a conscious redirection of attention toward meaningful experiences—like community, nature, and contemplation. Drawing from art, philosophy, ecology, and social theory, she argues that stepping away from digital noise is a political and creative act. The book is both a cultural critique and a philosophical meditation, offering a radical rethinking of how we spend our time and what we value in an age of distraction.
About Jenny Odell
Jenny Odell is an American artist, writer, and educator known for her work at the intersection of technology, attention, and ecology. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she teaches at Stanford University and explores themes such as digital surveillance, labor, and urban space. Her debut book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, became a surprise bestseller and manifesto for mindful disengagement. Odell draws from philosophy, natural history, and art to challenge the demands of constant connectivity. Her work advocates for reclaiming time and presence in an age of distraction and redefines productivity through slowness and intentionality.
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