Byung-Chul Han: A Short Introduction via 5 Books

A brief introduction to Byung-Chul Han's philosophy through 5 book recommendations to help you understand his key ideas and how they are relevant to our neoliberal late-modern society.

Other Resources:
My course on keeping a writer's diary:
My playlist on Reading:
My collaborative novel about Melbourne: There's A Tale To This City:

Introduction: 00:00
Sponsor: 01:16
Han's Writing Style: 02:42
1: The Burnout Society: 05:21
2: The Scent of Time: 06:56
3: The Agony of Eros: 08:52
4: Absence: 10:55
5: Non-Things: 11:58

[Varykino]

I'm glad that you used the word narcissism because the behaviors that Han describes are the fall-out from a narcissistic society in which we have to compete. Narcissists naturally live an episodic lifestyle versus a sense of a continuum that normal people try to live. Narcissists can't love and can't give of themselves. Their approach to life has permeated our society so that instead of pursuing the joy of touching other people, we placate ourselves with the distraction of being consumed by what technology offers.

[vickisapp]

I can't believe that I just heard of Han today and have ordered three of his books. I am working in the same area, more specifically about the impact of technology and the digital media takeover in the classroom and education (especially higher). Thank you for this concisely informative introduction!

[phoebeyuu]

What a coincidence. I read The Burnout Society last year, ironically while looking for books about (my recently diagnosed) ADHD and I'm thoroughly intrigued with his ideas. Although I am more on agreement with Slavoj Zizek that Han's ideas only applicable to a hypercapitalism society which only translates to maybe major cities in well-developed and developing countries. Watching your video, now I'm also intrigued with Scent of Time. I'll buy it along Psychopolitics which already in my wishlist.

[benpetty]

Thanks for making this video. Byung Chul Hans work has become incredibly influential over the past couple of years in reframing my ways of being. This channel is easily my favorite on youtube! Keep up the amazing work!

[samwhittaker]

Excellent video. Your summaries are clear and concise! I agree that Han's aphoristic style is key to his brilliance.

[adamrosendahl]

How ironic it is to watch a video about Byung Chul Han's philosophy and be fed an advertisement of Skilshare.

[RichardShortland-Neal]

It’s good to see you back as I’ve missed your videos. I’ve never read any of Byung-Chul Hans works but he has been my too read list for some time but I’ve always pushed other books ahead of his. This video has prompted me to move him to the top of my reading list.

[sophiaisabelle]

We appreciate how well you articulate your insights. You'll always have our support.

[cicieurve]

I just wanted to learn more about Byung-Chul Han, and your video really helps.

[joshuaadams]

I read Psychopolitics near the end of last year. Loved it. His writing is so simple but retains complexity/profundity

[ianboyd]

Nice video man. Perfect amount of focus given to each book and very useful. You even gave me some recommendations I hadn’t heard of before!

[sarapeine]

Ordered Burnout society a while ago and I expected a long book. When it came it actually had me shocked and hooked pretty early on. I really love how he condenses his ideas and makes them so very relatable to one's reality. As a (recovering) overachiever, I believe reading him is getting into an arguent with myself and coming out on the healthier, less burned-out end of myself.
Thank you for the other book reccomendations - I am looking forward to reading one or two of them soon!

[kikiandsen]

Enjoyed your introduction. Kind of got an idea on where to start. Thank you!

[emanuelalmroth]

My favorite living philosopher. Been obsessed by him since I’ve discovered him 9 years ago.

[yonathanasefaw]

Welcome back, Waldun! And thanks for the recs!

[ReticentObsessive]

Really helpful recommendations- great timing too as I recently finished In the Swarm, which I really enjoyed, and so I was wondering which of his books to read next!

[duanejohnson]

I discovered Byung-Chul Han eight years ago when I stumbled across “The Agony of Eros” in a bookstore, and since then I read whatever I can of his work.

In my opinion he does the most perceptive and uncompromising dissection of our increasingly digi-spheric existence (its twin pillars being narcissism and exhibitionism), and he warns us of the consequences that our reigning attitude of techno-optimism poses. My own view is that a fundamental shift in human nature is underway due to the growing predominance of our digital distraction-based society, and we will not like what it produces.

In addition, he offers the most devastating critique of the positivity-cult attitudes and behaviors that too many people take for granted these days.

No other philosopher has our techno-society’s number like Byung Chul-Han.

[shanemcgrath]

Great writer and thinker and loved this analysis and exploration Byung-Chul Han's corpus. Almost purchased Non-Things in Kindle format, oh sweet irony!

[CultivateFeelings]

Excellent recommendations, thanks you so much!!

[BMB]

Hes incredible. The burnout society really changed my outlook on things. I felt like he was speaking directly to me as I haven't been familiar with the idea of "too much freedom" as I live in a capitalistic society. I have also been trying my best to break down that wall of anti-marxist thought. Its so engrained here in the states. Han has been a great way of enlightenment for me.