Exploring Resonance & Acceleration with Hartmut Rosa

Summary

In this episode of UNESCO Talks, sociologist Hartmut Rosa discusses his concepts of 'acceleration' and 'resonance,' exploring how technological change and modern life’s rapid pace impact our ability to adapt and connect. He contrasts social acceleration, where society must constantly innovate to sustain itself, with resonance, a non-alienated state of meaningful engagement with the world. Rosa critiques the superficial connection social media fosters, proposing that true resonance involves deeper, transformative relationships with people, nature, and ideas. He also introduces the idea of social energy, linking it to societal participation and drawing insights from non-Western philosophies to envision a more balanced future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social acceleration refers to the increasing speed of technological change and the need to constantly innovate, grow, and adapt in modern society.
• 😀 Despite technological advancements designed to save time, people feel they have less time, leading to a paradox of acceleration where more speed equals less time for reflection and interaction.
• 😀 Modern society requires constant acceleration, driven by the logic of capitalism, to maintain the existing social order and institutions.
• 😀 Hartmut Rosa's concept of 'endogenous acceleration' explains that the need to speed up is built into the structure of society, unlike in the past where acceleration was driven by external factors.
• 😀 The idea of 'resonance' represents a meaningful, non-alienated relationship with the world, in contrast to the alienation often caused by rapid technological change and acceleration.
• 😀 Technology and social media may simulate resonance, but they often fail to create genuine, transformative connections, leading to a sense of disconnection and alienation instead.
• 😀 Resonance occurs when an interaction touches you deeply, transforms you, and allows you to actively engage with the world in a meaningful way, such as through dialogue, music, or work.
• 😀 True resonance is not easily engineered or fabricated—it arises from genuine, transformative interactions that engage both the individual and the world around them.
• 😀 Social energy is a concept used to describe the flow of energy in society, which is driven not only by physical energy but also by psychic energy, as humans must constantly contribute to acceleration and innovation.
• 😀 Different cultures, such as those in China, India, and Africa, have unique understandings of energy that emphasize interconnectedness and participation in the world, providing insights into how social energy can be understood beyond the Western model of individualism and materialism.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind Hartmut Rosa's concept of social acceleration?

Hartmut Rosa argues that technological change is occurring at an ever-increasing pace, creating a paradox where we save time through faster technologies but ultimately feel we have less time. This acceleration leads to a faster pace of life, and to sustain the modern capitalist world order, we are forced to continually innovate, grow, and speed up.

How does Rosa differentiate the current acceleration from historical periods of change?

While periods of rapid change have occurred throughout history, Rosa distinguishes the current era by the continuous need for acceleration. Unlike past periods where a new order would stabilize after revolutions or societal breakdowns, modern society requires constant innovation and growth to maintain its existing structure, which he terms 'endogenous acceleration'.

What role does 'resonance' play in Hartmut Rosa's work?

Resonance, for Rosa, is the opposite of alienation. It represents a deep, transformative connection with the world, people, or objects. It's about engaging in relationships and activities in a way that moves and transforms us, offering a more meaningful experience than mere acceleration or consumption.

Why does Rosa reject the idea of simply 'slowing down' as a solution to acceleration?

Rosa believes slowing down is not a viable solution because modern societal institutions would collapse without ongoing technological and social innovation. Additionally, he argues that slowness, in itself, is not inherently good—certain processes, like emergency response or fast internet, benefit from speed.

How does Rosa relate the idea of resonance to technology and social media?

While technology and social media can simulate resonance through interactive experiences, Rosa argues that they fall short. Social media, for example, offers a sense of participation and self-efficacy, but it often leaves users feeling isolated and disconnected rather than truly resonating with the world around them.

What are some examples of resonance in everyday life, according to Rosa?

Resonance can be found in meaningful dialogues, where both participants are deeply engaged, and in music, where a song can evoke a profound emotional response. Rosa also points to work and philosophy as areas where people experience resonance, particularly when their efforts or thoughts lead to a sense of transformation.

How does Rosa define 'social energy' and its relevance to societal acceleration?

Social energy, as per Rosa, refers to the energy required for societal acceleration, which is driven by both physical resources (like fossil fuels) and psychic energy from individuals. This energy is not simply a personal resource but is created through interaction within a community or society, making it a collective force necessary for maintaining modern societal structures.

How does Rosa critique the individualistic concept of energy in modern society?

Rosa critiques the individualistic understanding of energy, which views it as something personal and finite. Instead, he suggests that energy is a collective phenomenon, circulating in social interactions, and that societal problems like burnout and environmental crises are manifestations of a lack of social energy.

What cultural and philosophical traditions does Rosa draw from in developing his ideas on energy?

Rosa draws from various cultural and philosophical traditions outside of Western thought to understand energy. He references concepts like 'qi' in Chinese philosophy, 'prana' in Indian philosophy, and African philosophies that view energy as vital and circulating through all elements of life, offering a more holistic understanding of social and psychic energy.

What does Rosa believe needs to change in modern societies to address the issues of acceleration and alienation?

Rosa believes that modern societies need to move beyond the capitalist model that prioritizes constant growth and innovation. He advocates for a shift towards a more participatory, relational view of energy and life, emphasizing resonance, collaboration, and a deeper connection to the world around us.