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Simmel on Acceleration, Boredom, and Extreme Aesthesia.
- Source :
-
Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour . Dec2007, Vol. 37 Issue 4, p447-462. 16p. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- By focusing on the unique velocity and over-stimulation of metropolitan life, Georg Simmel pioneered an interpretation of cultural boredom that has had a significant impact on contemporary social theory by viewing it through the modern experience of time-pressure and social acceleration. This paper explores Simmel's account of boredom by showing how—in the frenzy of modern life—it has become increasingly difficult to qualitatively distinguish which choices and commitments actually matter to us. Furthermore, this emotional indifference invariably pushes us towards more excessive and risky behavior, towards, what I call, “extreme aeshesia.” Insofar as novel experiences quickly become routine in the technological age, it appears that only extreme sensations and experiences can break the spell of boredom, allowing us to momentarily feel strongly for something. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00218308
- Volume :
- 37
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 27608427
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5914.2007.00345.x