Time Bind is a book I’m currently reading (when I can find the time). The book was written by Arlie Russell Hochschild published in 1997. It’s a sociological study of the then demand characteristics of work/home/life balance. It’s fantastic, real journalism that foreshadows, but doesn’t come close to realizing the bind we’re in now. We are all cracking up under the strain of the time bind.
Update 2023
What the current time bind is is that we are now on a clock that, not only never stops, but demands we don’t either. Sleep? Forget about it. That is if you want to compete. Or even just be noticed. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Notwithstanding, let me explain.
I’m seventy-three, ‘retired’, and live alone. My time is pretty much my own. What I do with it is up to me. I’m Free. [Ha!] However, given my curious nature and predisposition for reading and writing? In addition my conviviality, well. I can’t help myself because it’s my nature to engage. [Though I’ve cut way back.] Therefore, I am attached to the social media platforms of: WordPress, Goodreads, and Youtube.
Here’s the deal. All platforms are designed to keep you engaged. Moreover, that engagement, or ‘community’ is world wide. I call it the Connected Global Community. The CGC is not a good thing. Because of the time bind it imposes.
Consider just these three platforms. I can spend all day and night on any one of the three – satisfying my curiosity and conviviality. And, I don’t have that many ‘friends’, ‘followers’, or subscriptions. However, I still can’t keep up! Moreover, I feel like I’m a bad friend because of that.
The problem
is we were not designed for this. We need an upgrade. I don’t care what your values, philosophy, religion, or worldview is. We are all cracking up under the strain of the current time bind.
Some very smart people are now talking about time bending, time travel, and even that time doesn’t exist! Alright.
The solution
is an old one. Uh, pass that bottle over here. Wait, no, how about the remote? Both. Maybe I’ll turn my phone off and finish up binge watching Ally McBeal on Amazon Prime.