They say we live in a secular country, but whoever says that has not encountered the productivity gurus or the stationery YouTubers. Bullet journals, intermittent fasting, hobonichi ceiling, cold showers at five in the morning, “atomic habits,” journaling until you end up with blisters on your hands… let’s be clear: productivity and growth have become civil religions.
Thus, perhaps it’s time to look for a more traditional way out, one inspired by Saint Augustine.
The Cult of Productivity
Talking about ‘civil religion’ may seem exaggerated, but a very specific aspirational narrative has been normalized: it centers on self-optimization. It’s not just about waking up early, dieting, or obsessing over metrics and discipline; failing to achieve these goals is often framed as a moral failure.
If you make a mistake, if you don’t arrive at your targets, if you don’t achieve what you intended… it’s because you didn’t make the effort, you didn’t organize yourself, you’re simply not good enough. A recent discussion has highlighted readers who, faced with the reality of not reaching their “reading challenge” for the year, opt to discard books they genuinely wish to explore in favor of shorter reads, just so they can meet their numerical goals.
Error has become a luxury we can’t afford.
But Augustine Did Not Agree
St. Augustine had very different views on failure and existence. One of the most brilliant figures of the late Roman Empire, Augustine became one of Christianity’s sharpest thinkers. His teachings remind us that mistakes do not define our worth. “If I’m wrong, I exist,” he proclaimed, suggesting that errors are not merely stigmata but essential pieces of information. They serve as reminders of our humanity and our journey of growth.
Louis Comfort Tiffany
Saint Augustine vs. Productivity Gurus
Augustine’s philosophy argues against the constant push for efficiency and productivity. In a society that demands high performance, he reveals the inherent worth of each individual, regardless of their successes or failures. Even in our lowest moments, our value remains unchanged.
When Augustine spoke of existence, he wasn’t just talking about being; he was emphasizing the importance of experiencing and loving one’s existence in a deeper way. This perspective invites us to dismantle the chains placed upon us by an obsession with productivity.
The Right to Exist Authentically
In a world fixated on metrics and performance, Augustine champions the timeless Christian tradition that asserts our intrinsic worth. We exist not for productivity but for a much richer tapestry of experiences that shape our humanity. Understanding this allows us to embrace our mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with self-acceptance.
Ultimately, the antidote to the cult of productivity lies in recognizing that our existence is valuable, not based on our achievements, but simply because we are here. Embracing our errors can lead us to a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilled life.
In a world that demands perfection, let us remember St. Augustine’s wisdom: to exist, to learn, and to evolve is the ultimate achievement.