Oliver Burkeman
The Guardian
New York, United States
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Past articles by Oliver:
What We Owe the Future by William MacAskill review – a thrilling prescription for humanity
Unapologetically optimistic and bracingly realistic, a philosopher’s guide to ‘ethical living’ for dangerous times → Read More
In your own time: how to live for today the philosophical way
What’s gone is gone, but don’t waste time worrying about that. Or on what comes next. The ideal way to age is to be in the moment → Read More
The Expectation Effect by David Robson review – mind-changing science
From exercise to old age, the latest research shows that what we believe can have some very concrete consequences → Read More
The joy of missing out: how to manage your time in 2022
We only have about 4,000 weeks of life on average, says the writer Oliver Burkeman, so make sure you are prioritising what really matters → Read More
New year, same old you! The secret to self-improvement is embracing your messy, imperfect life
It’s only when you learn to accept who you are, flaws and all, that you can make real, worthwhile change → Read More
From the archive: The diabolical genius of the baby advice industry – podcast
This week, from 2018: Every baffled new parent goes searching for answers in baby manuals. But what they really offer is the reassuring fantasy that life’s most difficult questions have one right answer → Read More
At best, we’re on Earth for around 4,000 weeks – so why do we lose so much time to online distraction?
Silicon Valley makes billions by stealing your attention. No wonder it’s so hard to focus… → Read More
The clockwork universe: is free will an illusion?
The long read: A growing chorus of scientists and philosophers argue that free will does not exist. Could they be right? → Read More
Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson review – more rules for life
Despite the psychologist’s role in the culture wars, his books present him as a personal trainer for the soul ... Is his latest advice bracing and useful or merely humourless and banal? → Read More
The Hidden Spring by Mark Solms review – the riddle of consciousness solved?
I feel therefore I am ... In this fascinating study, a neuropsychologist argues that the mystery of consciousness centres on emotions → Read More
Want to improve focus and productivity? Do one thing at a time
Juggling too many activities wastes time and energy, so shelve at least some for those life goals (for now) → Read More
Oliver Burkeman's last column: the eight secrets to a (fairly) fulfilled life
After more than a decade of writing life-changing advice, I know when to move on. Here’s what else I learned → Read More
Suffering from brain mush? Here’s how to get things done
It’s hard to focus on one thing if you’re anxious about multiple tasks, but there’s a way through the fog of distraction → Read More
The best thing you can do to make the world a better place? Sometimes the answer is nothing
Don’t be fooled into overachieving – it’s often more valuable to simply not screw things up → Read More
Want to really live in the present? Embrace life’s nasty bits, too
Decay and decline will show up at our door. The trick is being ready to lay down the welcome mat → Read More
Psychoanalysing Trump isn't a distraction
Psychoanalysing Trump isn't a distraction - it helps us stay sane in troubled times | Life and style | The Guardian → Read More
Overtaxed by all the unfinished tasks hanging over you? There is a solution...
Overtaxed by all the unfinished tasks hanging over you? There is a solution... | Life and style | The Guardian → Read More
Do you want it – or do you need it? Here's how you know
Next time you have the urge to check your phone, or have a second cocktail, remember you might not enjoy it as much as you think → Read More
Want to ditch a bad habit? Then just take it one day at a time
Willpower doesn’t always work: instead of trying to force it, you might need to change your settings in a more natural way → Read More
Struggling to achieve perfection? This nautical metaphor might help
In choppy seas, it’s better to mend the sails than return for a total refit → Read More