Life Is Not Useful

Ailton Krenak's Life Is Not Useful invites readers to awaken from modernity's constraints, urging reflection on humanity's true essence and interconnectedness.

In Life Is Not Useful, Indigenous leader and activist Ailton Krenak challenges us to awaken from the metaphorical coma induced by modern colonialism. He argues that our lives have been dominated by notions of order, progress, development, consumerism, and capitalism, which have left us feeling only partially alive. Krenak emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with a deeper understanding of existence, one that transcends the superficial values imposed by modern society.

The author highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a moment of collective reflection. He suggests that this global crisis provides an opportunity for us to reconsider the exclusivity and distinctions that have long defined humanity in the context of Western modernity. Krenak calls for a reawakening to what he describes as “the cosmic sense of life,” urging us to explore a more holistic and interconnected way of living.

Ultimately, Life Is Not Useful serves as a powerful reminder of the need for introspection and a reconnection with our true selves. Krenak's insights encourage readers to challenge the status quo and envision a future that honors the richness of life beyond mere utility. His message is both timely and essential, inviting us to embrace a more profound understanding of existence in a world that often prioritizes productivity over being.