It’s become a ubiquitous modern problem to have not only a teetering pile of books you’ve been meaning to read, but a digital stack of articles you’d like to digest, plus a long queue of podcast episodes to listen to, videos or TV shows to watch, or videogames you’ve purchased and would love to play, if only you could find the time.

Tempted and titillated at every turn, we seek to cram in as much consumption and as many experiences as possible. As well as glittering careers, we want to take art courses, work out at the gym, read the newspaper and every book on the bestseller list, eat out with friends, go clubbing, play sports, watch hours of television, listen to music, spend