It’s good to know that feeling bad isn’t actually bad; it’s exactly what survival of the fittest intended.

‘Letter to Menoeceus’, contained in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book X.

Our ancestors worked harder and strove further because they evolved to be perpetually perturbed, and so we remain today.

the only way to handle distraction is by learning to handle discomfort.

All behaviours, both traction and distraction, are prompted by triggers, whether internal or external.

‘If satisfaction and pleasure were permanent, there might be little incentive to continue seeking further benefits or advances.’

Operating under constraints, Bogost says, is the key to creativity and fun.

‘First, pay close, foolish, even absurd attention to things.’

Researchers tell us attention and focus are the raw materials of human creativity and flourishing.