Book Review: ‘Meditations for Mortals’ by Oliver Burkeman

Book Title: Meditations for Mortals
Author: Oliver Burkeman
Publisher: Bodley Head
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 978-1847927620
Date Published: Sept. 12, 2024
Price: INR 572

Book Review

It’s all too simple to find your wallet much lighter in the name of “wellbeing” in the self-care field. Ads for crystal-infused water bottles, miracle powders, designer exercises, and a collection of self-help books you didn’t even realize you needed start to appear as soon as you sign up for a meditation class.

Oliver Burkeman’s book “Meditations for Mortals” questions our obsession with control and perfection. Many of us wake up each day feeling buried under an endless list of tasks, spurred by the hope that one day we’ll have everything perfectly balanced. Burkeman’s message is refreshingly unique: perhaps life isn’t about having everything under control. Instead, he encourages us to accept our human limitations and find joy in the unexpected, reminding us that the desire to “have it all” is frequently a delusion.

The author structures his book as a four-week journey, offering daily reflections on how to live more fully within our limits. He touches on the world’s infinite demands and unpredictable nature, showing us that accepting these aspects of life—not trying to “fix” them—is what brings real freedom. In our fast-paced, achievement-driven culture, this perspective is both comforting and transformative. Burkeman’s approach nudges us to reconsider what truly matters, inviting us to embrace life’s inherent messiness.

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One of the book’s most thought-provoking discussions revolves around our relationship with the news. While Burkeman advocates for limiting exposure to the overwhelming flood of updates, he acknowledges that balance is essential. Staying informed can be crucial, but constant news consumption often adds to our stress. Burkeman’s advice is a reminder that we don’t have to be perpetually plugged in to stay engaged with the world—there’s value in selectively choosing what we pay attention to.

Burkeman also introduces the concept of “imperfectionism,” which encourages us to let go of obsessive perfection. Instead of endlessly striving to produce flawless work, he suggests focusing on the joy of creation itself. This approach frees us from the paralysis of perfectionism and leads to more authentic, inspired results. For overachievers who feel the constant “productivity debt” of never doing enough, Burkeman’s ideas offer a liberating alternative: track accomplishments with a “done list,” and break big projects into smaller, achievable tasks.

Ultimately, “Meditations for Mortals” invites us to redefine success and find meaning in the journey rather than the destination. Burkeman’s conversational tone and witty insights make this book an engaging read for anyone tired of chasing an elusive ideal. In a world that often equates worth with achievement, Burkeman’s message is both a challenge and a comfort: accept your limits, let go of control, and discover a richer way of living.

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