The Small Stuff
The Sensory Enchantment of Everyday Life
Will be published approx. on 7. July 2026
240 pages
E-Book
978-1-80206-615-9 (ISBN)
Description
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 From digital tickets to automated taps, he argues that the simple, tactile pleasures of daily life have been replaced by sleek but soulless design.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.
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 From digital tickets to automated taps, he argues that the simple, tactile pleasures of daily life have been replaced by sleek but soulless design.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.
Reviews / Votes
A clarion call to rediscover the quiet joys woven into everyday routines. . . . This wonderful book reminds us that happiness isn't out of reach. Rather, it's right under our fingertips -- Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of <i> Supercommunicators </i> and <i> The Power of Habit </i> I loved this profound, witty, and quietly revolutionary book. Ian Bogost makes the liberating case that the material world is teeming with unexpected opportunities for life-enhancing sensory pleasure - and that all we need to do is to allow ourselves to experience them -- Oliver Burkeman The world tells us that the path to happiness is to go bigger in everything: experiences, success, consumption-all of it. In The Small Stuff, Ian Bogost shows us why this is the wrong approach to the good life-that the true secret lies in discovering life's little delights -- Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of <i> From Strength to Strength </i>More details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
New edition
File size
0,80 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-80206-615-9 (9781802066159)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 07/2026
Allen Lane
€25.50
Not yet published
Person
Ian Bogost is a contributing writer at the Atlantic. He is the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is also a professor of computer science and engineering, film and media studies, and art and design. Bogost is the author of ten books, including Play Anything. Bogost is also an award-winning game designer whose work has been played by millions of people and has been held in collections internationally, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
