In an age where convenience is king, a growing movement is challenging the notion that effortless living leads to true fulfilment. Dubbed “friction-maxxing,” this philosophy advocates for intentionally introducing obstacles and difficulties into our daily routines, all in the pursuit of personal growth and resilience.
The concept, first explored in a piece by writer Kathryn Jezer-Morton in The Cut, posits that the proliferation of time-saving technologies such as Uber Eats and ChatGPT has had an unintended consequence – the “infantilisation” of society. By automating tasks that once required significant effort, we risk losing the sense of satisfaction that comes from hard-won accomplishments.
“Friction-maxxing” is the antidote to this perceived malaise. Proponents argue that by deliberately choosing the more challenging path, whether it’s sending children on small errands or hosting guests without meticulously cleaning one’s home, individuals can tap into a deeper well of personal development.
“You’ve searched inside yourself. You’ve nudged your own personal boundaries, and discovered that you are more capable than you ever knew,” explains Jezer-Morton. “You are building a foundation of perseverance and resilience that you cannot get from typing a prompt into a chatbot.”
The concept has gained traction among those seeking to reclaim a sense of agency and purpose in an increasingly automated world. While some may balk at the idea of intentionally creating inconveniences, adherents of “friction-maxxing” believe the payoff in terms of personal growth is well worth the temporary discomfort.
However, critics argue that the movement’s emphasis on self-improvement through hardship risks fetishising suffering and ignoring the genuine benefits that modern conveniences have brought to millions of people’s lives. They caution against a one-size-fits-all approach, suggesting that a balanced integration of both convenience and challenge may be the healthiest path forward.
As the debate around “friction-maxxing” continues, it remains to be seen whether this emerging philosophy will gain mainstream acceptance or be dismissed as a passing fad. Nonetheless, the underlying desire to cultivate resilience and self-discovery in an increasingly frictionless world is a sentiment that resonates with many in search of a more meaningful existence.
