How to Reclaim Your Time in a Hurried World
The Tyranny of Speed: How to Reclaim Your Time in a Hurried World invites readers to re-evaluate the relentless pace of modern life and craft a richer life by being more present in and savouring life’s moments. By examining the impact of our fast-paced culture, from the effects of technology on our attention to how we relate to ourselves and others, the authors offer practical strategies for reclaiming a sense of agency over what truly matters.
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This book draws on psychological research, mindfulness, and personal experience, encouraging readers to reconsider the societal narratives around productivity and redefining our relationship with the prevailing culture of immediacy and perpetual busyness.
At its heart, The Tyranny of Speed invites us to step off the treadmill of relentless striving, to savour the beauty in everyday moments, and to cultivate a mindful and ultimately more meaningful way of being. Through their reflections and insights, the authors offer readers valuable strategies to create a life with increased purpose and contentment in an age of shallow distraction.
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
1 Why the Rush?
Staying Ahead of Ourselves
The Illusion of Forever
2 The Costs of Modern Living
Blurred Boundaries
Sedentary Lifestyle
Sleep Deprivation
Social Isolation
Sunlight (Vitamin D) Deficiency
More to Life Than Work
3 Why There Aren’t Enough Hours in a Day
Why We Aren’t Working Fewer Hours Today
Technology and the Attention Economy
Distractions of Social Comparison
The Attention Time Sink
4 We’re Working More, but Feeling Less Fulfilled
The Silent Revolt and the Great Resignation
What Do Employees (Really) Want?
Dignity of Work and Sustainable Workplace Cultures
5 Climbing Mount Maslow
Patient Nurturing
Nowhere to Hide
Nurturing Relationships Takes Time
6 From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion
We All Have Our Battles
Developing Self-Compassion
Taking Small Steps
7 Healthier Habits for Our Digital Age
Designed for Distraction
Curate Your Content to Counter Your Compulsions
8 How to Make Work ... Work
Canary in the Coal Mine
Designing Better Jobs
Designing Work That Works
Craft the Job You Want
Crafting Work that Works
9 Charting the Course to Stronger Relationships
Mapping the Terrain
Bids: The Relationship Glue
10 Crafting Life One Moment at a Time
Epilogue
References
Index
Sandy Clarke is a licensed counsellor currently based at Sunway University, writer, and newspaper columnist based in Kuala Lumpur. Specialising in existential therapy, he has delivered workshops and talks on mindfulness, self-compassion, and grief, and is featured regularly on national radio. Before moving to Malaysia in 2015, he was a journalist and local broadcaster.
Eugene Tee, PhD, MAPP, is Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, HELP University, Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Management from the University of Queensland and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic work focuses on emotional intelligence and positive psychology.
“The Tyranny of Speed is a timely and necessary read. I found it thought-provoking to reflect on how much of life is shaped by urgency and distraction. The authors offer something rare: a grounded, compassionate, and practical call to slow down, pay attention, and be intentional about what truly matters.”
Dr Chua Sook Ning
Founder & Clinical Director, Relate Malaysia
Awards
National Book Awards - 2025 (Anugerah Buku Negara ABN)
National Book Development Foundation
Education & Academic: Best Social Sciences Book
Basic Information
- 978-629-7646-36-7 (Paperback)
