Meditations for Mortals - critical summary review

The book’s central message is that life is inherently unpredictable, fleeting, and filled with unfinished tasks and unresolved issues. Rather than trying to master every aspect of life, we should embrace our finiteness and recognize that we will never complete every task, fix every problem, or reach a state of ultimate control. Paradoxically, the author argues, it is this acceptance that allows us to take bold action, engage more deeply with life, and feel a greater sense of purpose.

We are constantly told that we need to be more productive, successful, and efficient, leading to a perpetual sense of being behind. Many people experience this as busyness and stress, while others feel it as imposter syndrome—the belief that everyone else has life figured out except for them. In all cases, the underlying assumption is that life is something to be mastered, as if one day we will finally reach a point where everything falls into place. The author dismantles this belief, showing how it only leads to frustration and exhaustion.

The freedom of letting go: finding peace in life’s limits

He explains that life is much harder and more overwhelming than we often think, because there’s just too much to do, and it’s impossible to do everything. He uses the example of feeling overwhelmed with a long to-do list, where we often think the solution is to manage time more efficiently, but the truth is that there will always be more tasks coming in, and trying to do everything is simply impossible. Once you accept that it’s impossible to do everything, you stop stressing about it and begin to focus on doing the things that matter most to you.

Burkeman argues that accepting life’s imperfections and our human limitations allows us to let go of the anxiety that comes from trying to be perfect or accomplish the impossible. Once you see that the world will never be perfect and that you can’t have everything you want, you can relax and enjoy what you do have and accomplish. He talks about how we often look for a system or method to improve our lives, thinking that we just need the right plan to make things work, but the real answer is much simpler: just start doing what matters to you without worrying about following a perfect system.

He uses the example of people wanting to meditate or start a business, but instead of actually doing the thing, they get caught up in planning how to become a “meditator” or a “business person” first, which just delays them from taking action. The key, Burkeman says, is to stop thinking about becoming someone different in the future and just do the thing once, right now. Whether it’s meditating for five minutes or writing a paragraph, the important part is that you take the action today, and by doing it, you’ll start to form a habit.

Burkeman suggests that the real joy comes not from achieving a perfect outcome but from taking the small steps today as they are. The goal isn’t to become the kind of person who does everything perfectly; it’s to just get started and enjoy the process, imperfections, and all. By accepting life’s limits and taking small actions, you can find peace and satisfaction in the present without constantly seeking the unattainable.

The illusion of obligation: you always have a choice

Burkeman explores how we often make life harder than it needs to be, by feeling like we have no control over our choices, and how accepting the consequences of our decisions can lead to a sense of freedom and peace. He discusses how people often feel paralyzed when faced with difficult choices, because they fear the negative consequences. Burkeman explains that while we may believe we "have to" do things like meet deadlines, answer emails, or fulfill family duties, the truth is that we are free to make choices—we just need to be willing to pay the price for those choices.

Every decision comes with trade-offs. This realization can help alleviate unnecessary anxiety and allow us to make clearer decisions. However, Burkeman also acknowledges that for some, the consequences can be more severe due to unfair circumstances. Despite this, he encourages readers to remember that each decision involves weighing the costs, and often, we exaggerate the consequences to avoid making bold choices. He also touches on the concept of "bad faith," where we lie to ourselves about having no options, making it easier to avoid responsibility.

The chapter then moves to the concept of "productivity debt," which many people feel in their daily lives. Burkeman explains that many individuals, especially those who strive for perfection, feel as though they’re in constant debt to their productivity, needing to "earn" their existence by being constantly productive. This mindset is exhausting and often leads to anxiety, isolation, and a feeling that success is a never-ending cycle of setting higher standards for oneself. He suggests that this is partly due to societal pressures, which make people feel inadequate unless they’re constantly achieving.

Burkeman offers a solution to this mindset: the “done list.” Unlike a to-do list, a done list records tasks that you’ve already completed, shifting the focus from what still needs to be done to what you’ve already achieved. This change in perspective can reduce anxiety and make it easier to appreciate the work you’ve done, instead of stressing about the work left to do. He also emphasizes that actions don’t need to be done in order to feel better about oneself. Instead, they can simply be expressions of who we are and what we care about.

The cost of caring about everything: how to protect your sanity

The author addresses the overwhelming flood of information we are constantly exposed to in today’s digital age and the problem of "information overload," where there’s simply too much to read, watch, or listen to. With the rise of the internet, this problem has become even more severe, as we now have limitless access to content. Even though there are tools to help filter information, the sheer volume of content means we’re still bombarded with more than we can possibly consume. This leads to an exhausting cycle where we try to keep up but can never finish, leaving us feeling scattered and stressed.

Burkeman warns against the idea of trying to consume everything faster, like speed-reading or listening to podcasts at double speed, because it only adds to the sense of never-ending information that we can never fully absorb. Instead, he suggests three pieces of advice for managing information in a way that feels less overwhelming. By focusing on what’s important in the moment and allowing yourself to enjoy the process, you can avoid the stress of trying to consume everything at once.

In “Day Six,” Burkeman tackles the challenge of how to stay sane in a world filled with constant news and global events. With the rise of the internet and social media, we are constantly exposed to the world’s problems, from wars to natural disasters to political crises. This constant flow of negative news can make us feel overwhelmed and helpless as if we need to care about every tragedy, even if it’s far removed from our own lives.

He argues that while caring about others is important, trying to care about everything is unrealistic and unhealthy. Instead, Burkeman suggests that we should pick our battles, focusing on a few causes that we care deeply about, rather than trying to be constantly informed about every crisis in the world. This approach allows us to have a more manageable sense of concern and energy and can actually make us more effective in addressing the issues we care about.

The present moment: your only true control in an uncertain future

Burkeman explains that we often try to control or predict the future, but we are limited to the present moment. This leads to excessive worry about things that haven’t yet happened and may never happen. Instead of being consumed by worry, he encourages us to focus on handling each moment as it comes and trust in our ability to manage things when the time arrives. He reminds us that the future is full of unknowns, and all we can control is how we respond to the present.

Burkeman then shifts to discuss the importance of taking action, specifically when it comes to decision-making. He challenges the idea that we should wait for the "perfect" decision or avoid decisions because we fear making the wrong one. Instead, he suggests that we actively seek out decisions to make, even small ones, in order to gain momentum and move forward in life. Burkeman argues that we should focus on making choices in the present that are aligned with what we value rather than procrastinating or trying to predict the best possible outcome.

Burkeman also addresses the concept of "decision-hunting" by explaining that once you make a decision, it’s important to take action to solidify it. Simply deciding in your mind is not enough; you must make tangible moves to commit to that decision. Even small, imperfect actions move you forward, and over time, these incremental steps lead to greater progress. The important thing is that we make a choice and keep making them, rather than remaining stuck in indecision. Indecision is a form of avoidance, as it prevents us from committing to any path and moving forward.

Life’s true task: embracing challenges to grow and find purpose

Burkeman explains that the excitement of starting a project comes from its potential, but as we dive deeper, we encounter imperfections, making it more difficult than expected. However, finishing a task, even imperfectly, brings accomplishment and replenishes energy, while leaving things unfinished drains us. He suggests breaking tasks into smaller, manageable deliverables to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This habit creates momentum, making completion a natural part of life.

Burkeman also connects completion to the reality of life, where every moment is an endpoint. Focusing on small, manageable tasks aligns with how time works, reducing stress about long-term goals and perfection. He encourages shifting our mindset to see completion as a routine part of life. He introduces the concept of the “life task”—the meaningful challenge life presents at a given moment. Burkeman uses Carl Jung’s experience with confronting his fear of mathematics as an example. A life task requires effort, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and helps you grow, even if it’s not immediately fulfilling.

Burkeman offers two signs of a life task: it feels difficult but enlarges you, and it’s something you can actually do based on your current circumstances. He encourages readers to ask, “What’s the life task here?” to focus on what truly matters, instead of external pressures or distractions. In conclusion, embracing a life task provides control and purpose. By confronting challenges, we gain clarity and progress, focusing on meaningful action rather than overthinking.

Final notes

A key theme in the book is the “efficiency trap”—the idea that trying to be more efficient only leads to more work, not less. For example, responding to emails faster results in even more emails, creating an endless cycle of busyness. Similarly, constantly optimizing schedules and habits can make life feel mechanical and joyless. This mindset extends beyond work into personal life, where relationships, parenting, and leisure can feel like projects to manage rather than meaningful experiences.

Instead of focusing on optimization, the book encourages a shift in perspective: to engage with life rather than control it. Fulfillment comes not from perfection but from being present, allowing for spontaneity, uncertainty, and even failure. This approach doesn’t mean abandoning goals but accepting that we can’t do everything—and that’s okay.

By embracing imperfectionism, we can free ourselves from the pressure to do it all and focus on what truly matters. The book offers a four-week journey, with each chapter guiding us toward living with greater ease, resilience, and enjoyment. It invites us to let go of the fantasy of ultimate control and fully embrace the rich, unpredictable reality of life.

12min tip

Whether you’re negotiating a raise, working out a deal, or resolving a disagreement, “Getting to Yes,” by Roger Fisher, William L. Ury, and Bruce Patton, equips you with the tools to do so effectively and ethically. It’s concise, easy to follow, and packed with wisdom that will give you a competitive edge in any negotiation.