A recent commentary highlights a perceived societal 'progress arms race', where constant optimisation is presented as achievable across all aspects of life. This drive is partly attributed to the AI industry, which, according to the commentary, promotes efficiency through 'plagiarism robots'.
The author describes feeling exhausted by this relentless pursuit of progress. This sentiment has led to a personal retreat into classical music, which has become an 'obsession' over the past year.
Listening to classical compositions, such as Gustav Mahler's Fifth Symphony or Jean Sibelius' Fifth Symphony, provides a sense of upliftment and a reminder of enduring human experiences. The author notes that such music can evoke strong emotional responses, including tears.