A lively and witty guide to reclaiming connection with our physical world
In an era dominated by convenience and efficiency, you'd think life would be easier and, most importantly, happier. Shouldn't all the time saved by technology leave us with more for ourselves? The Atlantic columnist, game designer and philosopher Ian Bogost thinks not. From digital tickets to automated taps, he argues that the simple, tactile pleasures of daily life have been replaced by sleek but soulless design.
Through engaging anecdotes and sharp analysis of our dematerialized lives, Bogost uncovers how modern conveniences not only fail to deliver on their promises but also rob us of moments that keep us grounded and human. The Small Stuff is not a nostalgic trip through the analogue world of a bygone era but instead reframes our view of the material world from merely utilitarian into a site of joy and gratification. Finding happiness, Bogost shows us, doesn't require complete self-transformation, but simply noticing the sensory pleasures all around us.
Humorous, thought-provoking and practical, The Small Stuff is a manifesto for re-enchanting us with the world, by observing and enjoying the small moments that make up our lives.
| ISBN: | 9780241703465 |
| Publication date: | 7th July 2026 |
| Author: | Ian Bogost |
| Publisher: | Allen Lane an imprint of Penguin Books Ltd |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 240 pages |
| Genres: |
Popular psychology Ethical issues: scientific, technological and medical developments Social theory Coping with / advice about mental health issues Technology: general issues |
A lively and witty guide to reclaiming connection with our physical world
In an era dominated by convenience and efficiency, you'd think life would be easier and, most importantly, happier. Shouldn't all the time saved by technology leave us with more for ourselves? The Atlantic columnist, game designer and philosopher Ian Bogost thinks not. From digital tickets to automated taps, he argues that the simple, tactile pleasures of daily life have been replaced by sleek but soulless design.
Through engaging anecdotes and sharp analysis of our dematerialized lives, Bogost uncovers how modern conveniences not only fail to deliver on their promises but also rob us of moments that keep us grounded and human. The Small Stuff is not a nostalgic trip through the analogue world of a bygone era but instead reframes our view of the material world from merely utilitarian into a site of joy and gratification. Finding happiness, Bogost shows us, doesn't require complete self-transformation, but simply noticing the sensory pleasures all around us.
Humorous, thought-provoking and practical, The Small Stuff is a manifesto for re-enchanting us with the world, by observing and enjoying the small moments that make up our lives.
The Small Stuff features in the following genres: Popular psychology, Ethical issues: scientific, technological and medical developments, Social theory, Coping with / advice about mental health issues, Technology: general issues
The Small Stuff is available in Hardback
The Small Stuff was written by Ian Bogost and published by Allen Lane an imprint of Penguin Books Ltd
The Small Stuff has 240 pages
£18.00