There are people who are getting closer to what used to be called a contemplative life. They read, write, listen to music or paint without feeling they need to explain themselves. The problem is that in a society obsessed with productivity this cannot be said out loud. Judgment comes fast and the label of lazy appears as soon as someone does not follow the imposed rhythm. The irony is that many of the jobs considered important are irrelevant or simply unproductive.

Covid made clear who truly keeps a society running. Essential workers were on the front line while the rest stopped without major consequences. That should have made everyone think. Maybe many of the activities we defend as necessary add nothing or even harm the planet. And maybe a simpler life focused on what each person does with attention and calm makes more sense than continuing to feed a system that only knows how to demand more.