5.13.2025

The burnout society


Philosopher Byung-Chul Han wins Spain’s Princess of Asturias prize for humanities


Renowned philosopher Byung-Chul Han has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Princess of Asturias Prize for Humanities for his insightful works addressing the negative impacts of digital technology and contemporary capitalism. The award, presented by the Princess of Asturias Foundation in Oviedo, Spain, honors his profound contributions to contemporary thought.

Originally from South Korea, Han has built his academic career in Germany and authored over 20 influential books. Among his most notable works are The Burnout Society and The Scent of Time, which have been translated into numerous languages. The award’s jury highlighted that Han’s writings on themes like dehumanization, digitalization, and individual isolation have resonated across different generations.

The jury described his work as an “extraordinary ability to communicate new ideas in a precise and direct way,” blending Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. They also emphasized how Han’s analyses provide valuable insights into issues such as dehumanization, digitalization, and the alienation of individuals in the modern world.

Han, born in Seoul in 1959, pursued his studies in German literature and theology at the University of Munich, as well as philosophy at the University of Freiburg. His academic pursuits have shaped his unique perspective, combining cultural critique with philosophical reflection.

Among his central concepts are the “society of tiredness” and the “society of transparency,” as well as the notion of “shanzhai,” which he uses to discuss deconstruction practices within contemporary Chinese capitalism.

The Princess of Asturias Award, valued at 50,000 euros (approximately $57,000), is one of eight annual prizes that recognize achievements in various fields, including arts, literature, science, and sports.



Exploring Byung-Chul Han's 'Burnout Society'


Pre-Listening Activity 

Match the words with their definitions:



Listen to the audio segment carefully and pause at the indicated time stamps to reflect and answer the questions.



🔊 Segment 1 (0:00 - 2:02)

Main Idea: Introduction to the concept of "The Burnout Society" and the shift from disciplinary to achievement society.

Comprehension Questions:

  1. Why does Han consider burnout an inevitable result of modern productivity obsession?

  2. How does the metaphor of "infarction" versus "infection" illustrate Han's view of contemporary society?

  3. Compare the way traditional societies dealt with external threats versus how modern societies handle internal pressures.

  4. Do you agree with Han’s perspective that society has shifted from a disciplinary model to an achievement model? Why or why not?

🔊 Segment 2 (2:03 - 4:08)

Main Idea: Self-exploitation and the paradox of the achievement society.

Comprehension Questions:

  1. How does the speaker illustrate the concept of "achievement subjects"?

  2. Why does Han argue that the pursuit of achievement leads to self-exploitation rather than growth?

  3. How might the pressure to constantly achieve impact mental health on a societal level?

  4. Can you think of an example where the pressure to achieve led to exhaustion or burnout?

🔊 Segment 3 (4:09 - 6:43)

Main Idea: Hyperactivity and hyperattention in modern life.

Comprehension Questions:

  1. What does Han mean by "hyperattention," and why does he view it negatively?

  2. How does Han distinguish between multitasking in humans and animals?

  3. How might Han’s critique of hyperattention challenge the way we approach work and leisure?

  4. Do you notice any patterns of hyperattention in your own routines? How do they affect your focus?

🔊 Segment 4 (6:44 - 9:09)

Main Idea: Two types of tiredness: solitary and reconciliatory.

Comprehension Questions:

  1. What are the main differences between solitary tiredness and reconciliatory tiredness?

  2. Why does Han associate reconciliatory tiredness with a sense of community?

  3. How do these concepts reflect Han’s critique of modern achievement culture?

  4. Do you think society today values one type of tiredness over the other? Why?

🔊 Segment 5 (9:10 - 10:01)

Main Idea: The consequences of achievement-driven culture and the importance of contemplative immersion.

Comprehension Questions:

  1. Why does Han emphasize the importance of contemplative life?

  2. How does "collective tiredness" challenge the individualism promoted by achievement society?

  3. What is paradoxical about the relationship between hyperactivity and passivity?

  4. Do you think society can realistically shift back to a more contemplative way of living? Why or why not?


Critical Thinking Task

  1. Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you cope with it?

  2. Do you think digital technologies contribute to stress in your daily life? Give examples.

  3. In your opinion, how can we balance productivity and well-being?


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