Burnout Society - Byung-Chul Han

We live in an age of unprecedented progress. Advances in medicine, technology, education, and human rights have given us opportunities and freedoms that previous generations could not even imagine.

Yet, despite these achievements, many of us feel increasingly anxious, restless, exhausted, and overwhelmed. How can a society that has gained so much leave so many feeling depleted and always lonhing for more?

The philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that this is not a contradiction, but a defining feature of our time. In his book The Burnout Society, he suggests that the crisis of modern life stems not from oppression, prohibition, or negativity, but from an excess of positivity—the constant pressure to achieve, optimize, perform, and become more.
Han captures this paradox in one of his most famous observations: "The complaint of the depressive individual, 'Nothing is possible,' can only occur in a society that thinks, 'Nothing is impossible.'"

In a world where limitless possibility has become an expectation, failure, exhaustion, and inadequacy are increasingly experienced as personal shortcomings rather than social problems.
Today, we will explore Han's diagnosis of the modern condition, why burnout has become so widespread, and what his philosophy reveals about a possible way out.

Preparation:
You can get a good introduction of the topic by watchin one of the below videos:
Why We're All Burning Out: Byung-Chul
Achievment Society - Byung-Chul Han | Philosophize This

For Philosophical Minds Zurich theme events in general:
At our theme events, we begin with a brief topic introduction, followed by engaging discussions in small groups. It’s all about conversation, not just listening. Also, please note, we keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal—there’s no pressure to speak in front of anyone.

Important: When you register for the event, pleas