ReThinking: Why are people acting like everything’s fine? with Rahaf Harfoush
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode of Rethinking, Adam Grant interviews digital anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush about the psychological phenomenon of hypernormalization—a feeling that the world is changing dramatically while institutions and leaders act as if everything is normal. (02:06) They explore how this creates cognitive dissonance during our era of rapid technological change, climate disruption, and lingering pandemic trauma.
- Main Theme: Understanding hypernormalization as a collective response to unprecedented global changes, while exploring healthier approaches to productivity and emotional regulation in turbulent times
Speakers
Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who hosts TED's podcast Work Life. He teaches at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and has written multiple acclaimed books on workplace psychology and human behavior.
Rahaf Harfoush
Rahaf Harfoush is a digital anthropologist and expert on toxic productivity culture who authored "Hustle and Float." She specializes in studying rapidly changing technology and its impact on human behavior, particularly focusing on how modern work culture affects mental health and well-being.
Key Takeaways
Recognize and Name Hypernormalization
Hypernormalization occurs when you feel that something is fundamentally wrong with the world, but everyone around you—institutions, leaders, people in charge—continues acting as if everything is normal. (02:30) This creates a disorienting cognitive dissonance that can make you feel like you're going crazy. The key is understanding that this feeling has a name and that you're not alone in experiencing it during times of rapid societal change.
Process Emotions in Your Body Rather Than Intellectualizing
Instead of trying to think your way through overwhelming emotions about global changes, focus on where you feel sensations in your body and what you actually need in the moment. (17:45) As Harfoush explains, this might be as simple as a blanket, snack, glass of water, or stretching when hunched over a computer. This approach prevents getting trapped in endless mental loops while still addressing your actual needs.
Build Humane Productivity Systems
Rather than forcing yourself into rigid productivity systems designed for machines, create systems that work with your natural energy rhythms and life constraints. (30:00) Spend time mapping your own energetic cycles and creativity patterns, then build personalized approaches that support your body rather than punish it. Someone with kids will have different constraints than someone without, and your system should reflect your actual reality.
Set Boundaries as Acts of Self-Care and Love
Boundaries aren't aggressive acts of selfishness—they're tools that allow you to show up authentically and in a grounded way for others. (33:20) When you take care of yourself first through healthy boundaries, you create space to be genuinely present and supportive in your relationships. This shift from seeing boundaries as selfish to seeing them as generous changes how you approach both work and personal interactions.
Ask for Clarity Instead of Making Assumptions
When someone's behavior surprises or confuses you, resist the urge to assume the worst and instead ask for clarification. (39:23) A simple "Can you elaborate?" or "I was puzzled by that comment" prevents relationship damage from misinterpretation and creates opportunities for genuine understanding. The temporary awkwardness of asking is far better than the long-term damage of operating on false assumptions.
Statistics & Facts
- More than 85% of Fortune 500 companies use the ServiceNow AI platform, indicating widespread enterprise AI adoption across major corporations.
- People are working "really, really hard" with some individuals working three jobs totaling 120 hours per week, according to US labor statistics referenced by Harfoush when discussing productivity culture.
- A 2015 research paper suggested that creatures with greater ability to understand reality's absurdness are less likely to have children, as procreation requires "a certain level of delusion." (46:56)
