Speed Limits

This book examines the dual nature of speed in modern life, highlighting both its allure and the societal challenges it presents. Speed Limits offers a thought-provoking perspective.

In Speed Limits, the author explores the significant influence of speed on various aspects of modern life, from art and architecture to design and material culture. A century ago, the Futurist manifesto celebrated speed as a new form of beauty, suggesting that the world had been enriched by its presence. Today, this celebration continues, as the pace of life accelerates due to the widespread availability of portable media and communication technologies.

The text delves into how speed manifests in contemporary society, with speed sports gaining immense popularity and air travel becoming increasingly common. The automotive culture is also expanding into densely populated areas, reflecting a societal obsession with speed. Business literature echoes this sentiment, with numerous titles emphasizing the importance of speed in achieving success and efficiency.

However, Speed Limits does not shy away from addressing the darker side of this rapid lifestyle. A growing number of voices are raising concerns about the negative consequences of speed, including environmental degradation, heightened stress levels, urban sprawl, and the proliferation of unhealthy fast food options. The book invites readers to reflect on the true cost of our fast-paced existence, questioning whether the beauty of speed is worth the sacrifices it demands.