Life coaching, workshops, cosmetic surgeries, diets - the modern person tirelessly optimizes themselves in the belief of progress and success. Danish psychologist and philosopher Svend Brinkmann strikes back: with wit and intelligence, he shows how we can regain what has been lost along the way: steadfastness, contentment, and happiness. Faster, higher, further - the demands of society, as well as those we place on ourselves, take their toll: stress, burnout, and depression are on the rise. To keep up in all areas of life, we are told to remain flexible, to evolve, to self-optimize - in a constant pursuit of fulfillment and success. At least, that is what we are preached from all sides. But the demands of a life in the fast lane come at a cost: stress and depression are increasing - and our social relationships are suffering.