"Integrated living is more satisfying than atomic living."
100% true. Life, a good life, a fulfilled life, is greater than the sum of its parts. Yeah, hitting a deadlift PR alone in the gym is cool -- but have you ever had conversation with a buddy towards the end of a great hiking? Shit just hits different when you're having Type-2 fun with friends!
Same thing goes for eating. It's cliché to say everything tastes better when cooked outside, but I'd be willing to wager that it's true -- because more often than not, you're cooking with company when you're cooking outside.
I will say, results might be a little less successful when you try to integrate eating, fitness, and fun. As a camp counselor, we once tried to program "Capture the Cake" as an evening activity for twelve-year olds -- the aftermath in the cabins was reminiscent of a sick ward in London, 1348.
"And for the love of God, can you please stop drinking fucking Huel or Soylent at your desk and talk to someone instead? " Its about time someone said it
The idea that your memory of events is important on top of the events themselves is really interesting. Especially now that I’m considering how often I’ve given myself instant happiness by reflecting on a really good experience. I bet if you could quantify happiness, the really good ones would lose in the immediate but net win in the long term given the good memories.
Cold showers became a lot more enjoyable once I started singing prayers as i did them. Instead of checking off various disconnected boxes, i'm just spending my time in ways that are fulfilling multiple needs at once.
I live in Croatia and for us, there's no lunch that doesn't last for 3 hours. It's simply a time for friends and family. As you said, it's not productive, but it really does make you happy (when you look back) :)
De-Atomization is the Secret to Happiness
Absolutely incredible post, Nat. So refreshing given the current state of affairs with hustle productivity culture.
God damn, another banger.
Awesome post. Unfortunate how much of myself I see in this - but this was a refresh.
"Integrated living is more satisfying than atomic living."
100% true. Life, a good life, a fulfilled life, is greater than the sum of its parts. Yeah, hitting a deadlift PR alone in the gym is cool -- but have you ever had conversation with a buddy towards the end of a great hiking? Shit just hits different when you're having Type-2 fun with friends!
Same thing goes for eating. It's cliché to say everything tastes better when cooked outside, but I'd be willing to wager that it's true -- because more often than not, you're cooking with company when you're cooking outside.
I will say, results might be a little less successful when you try to integrate eating, fitness, and fun. As a camp counselor, we once tried to program "Capture the Cake" as an evening activity for twelve-year olds -- the aftermath in the cabins was reminiscent of a sick ward in London, 1348.
"And for the love of God, can you please stop drinking fucking Huel or Soylent at your desk and talk to someone instead? " Its about time someone said it
Best health decision I've made was getting a dog. Twice daily walks have been rejuvenating as someone who works remotely from home.
The idea that your memory of events is important on top of the events themselves is really interesting. Especially now that I’m considering how often I’ve given myself instant happiness by reflecting on a really good experience. I bet if you could quantify happiness, the really good ones would lose in the immediate but net win in the long term given the good memories.
Genius post!
Such a great read! I’m curious why you called it atomization & de-atomization?
How do you find balance between this integrated approach and every task being something you have to schedule and commute to?
Regularly scheduled and local are key? Reduction in overall things you are going to do?
Have you read Slate Star Codex's Meditations on Moloch?
https://slatestarcodex.com/2014/07/30/meditations-on-moloch/
Feel like atomization is similar to the chase for an abstract goal.
gold, thanks Nat
Wow this is really an incredible essay! This explains why middle and high school were fun: minimum 7 hours of integrated social/work/food/outdoor
I enjoyed this very much.
Cold showers became a lot more enjoyable once I started singing prayers as i did them. Instead of checking off various disconnected boxes, i'm just spending my time in ways that are fulfilling multiple needs at once.
I live in Croatia and for us, there's no lunch that doesn't last for 3 hours. It's simply a time for friends and family. As you said, it's not productive, but it really does make you happy (when you look back) :)
Great points. Sounds like someone needs to refute Atomic Habits with “Integrated Habits”