Aug 4, 2026 · 2h 8m
Carl Honoré argues for the right pace in an AI-accelerated world
The Hidden Cost of Hustle Culture | Carl Honore & Shekhar Natarajan
As technology speeds up work and decisions, the episode asks what human judgment, attention, and relationships lose when convenience becomes the default.
- 1Slowness means choosing the right pace for each situation, not moving slowly by default.
- 2Deep attention and unstructured time support creativity, connection, parenting, and learning amid relentless acceleration.
- 3AI can save time while weakening independent judgment if people outsource difficult thinking and emotional development.
Don't miss
Carl Honoré turns the episode’s argument into a usable rule: slowness is the ability to shift gears and choose the right pace.
The brief
Carl Honoré traces his speed addiction to a childhood and career shaped by movement, then recalls a bedtime-story wake-up call that changed how he lived.
The conversation expands from distracted relationships and overscheduled children to reactive journalism, arguing that deep attention is a civic and personal resource.
Honoré’s central distinction is precise: slow does not mean doing everything slowly, but learning to shift gears and match pace to purpose.
AI sharpens the stakes by making fast answers effortless; the speakers warn that outsourcing judgment could erode independent thinking, emotional growth, and responsible decisions.
The episode closes on a practical ethic: worthwhile things deserve time and care, supported by rituals such as meditation, cooking, sketching, and nature.
Featuring
Carl HonoréMentioned
The Economist
Mahatma GandhiBooks & mentions
Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.