Time and the Dog - The Present of Depressions - Maria Rita Kehl
Time and the Dog: The Present of Depressions
By Maria Rita Kehl
In her book Time and the Dog, Maria Rita Kehl explores the concept of depression as a symptom of our contemporary moment. Drawing on psychoanalysis, philosophy, and cultural studies, Kehl argues that depression is not simply a mental illness, but a social and political phenomenon that is rooted in the way we experience time in the 21st century.
The Tyranny of the Present
Kehl begins by arguing that we live in a time of "temporal acceleration," in which the pace of life has become increasingly rapid and the future seems to be collapsing into the present. This acceleration is driven by a number of factors, including the rise of digital technology, the 24-hour news cycle, and the global economy.
As a result of this temporal acceleration, we are constantly bombarded with information and stimuli, and we are constantly expected to be productive and efficient. This can lead to a sense of overwhelm and exhaustion, and it can make it difficult to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
The Loss of the Future
Kehl argues that the acceleration of time has also led to a loss of the future. In the past, the future was seen as a time of hope and possibility. But today, the future seems increasingly uncertain and unpredictable. This can lead to a sense of anxiety and dread, and it can make it difficult to plan for the future.
The Rise of Depression
Kehl argues that depression is a symptom of the temporal crisis that we are living in. Depression is a condition of psychic pain and suffering that is characterized by a loss of interest in the world, a lack of energy, and a sense of hopelessness. Depression can be debilitating, and it can make it difficult to function in everyday life.
Kehl argues that depression is not simply a mental illness, but a social and political phenomenon that is rooted in the way we experience time in the 21st century. Depression is a response to the tyranny of the present and the loss of the future.
The Politics of Depression
Kehl argues that depression is a political issue because it is a symptom of the social and economic conditions that we live in. Depression is more common among people who are poor, unemployed, or marginalized. It is also more common among people who live in societies that are characterized by inequality, violence, and social unrest.
Kehl argues that we need to address the political causes of depression if we want to find effective ways to treat it. We need to create a more just and equitable society, and we need to slow down the pace of life. We need to find ways to reconnect with the future and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.