Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

Content Warning: The section of the guide contains references to enslavement and the exploitation of Black people.

Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto is a reflective response to the societal conditions prevalent in Western society in the early 21st century, where the glorification of busyness and the normalization of overwork have become central tenets of modern life. This period, characterized by rapid technological advancements, the rise of the gig economy, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, has led to an increasing awareness of the mental and physical toll of such a lifestyle. Hersey’s manifesto emerges as a critical voice in the midst of a societal shift toward recognizing the unsustainable nature of these demands.

The social context of the book is heavily influenced by movements that advocate for mental health awareness, racial justice, and economic equality and envision these as intersecting, which have gained prominence in recent years. Hersey interweaves these themes, pointing out how the capitalist system disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Black people, by perpetuating cycles of exploitation and neglect. The book’s publication following global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social justice protests highlights the urgent need for a societal reevaluation of work, rest, and equity.

In a time when social movements like Black Lives Matter and discussions around economic inequality are at the forefront of public discourse, Hersey’s work resonates as a timely critique of the prevailing work ethic and its impact on marginalized communities. The book speaks to a society grappling with the legacies of historical injustices, while also dealing with the contemporary challenges of a globalized economy that often prioritizes profit over people.

Hersey’s narrative is deeply rooted in the historical context of enslavement and the ongoing impact of colonialism, drawing a parallel between past exploitation and contemporary labor practices. She critiques the capitalist ethos that reduces individuals to mere units of production and challenges the structural racism embedded in societal norms that dictate who is afforded rest and who is not. By connecting these historical events to current social issues, Hersey not only provides a critique but also offers a vision for a more equitable society where rest is accessible to all.

In proposing this alternative of rest as resistance, Hersey is not merely advocating for individual changes in behavior but is calling for a collective shift in societal values. She questions the very foundations of a system that equates relentless productivity with success and argues for a redefinition of what it means to lead a fulfilled and healthy life. Hersey envisages a society where rest is not an afterthought but a central aspect of life, integral to social justice and personal well-being. Hersey’s call for a rest revolution is both a personal and political act, which challenges the status quo and advocates for systemic change. Her manifesto is a rallying cry for a society that honors rest as a basic human right, and recognizes it as essential for healing, resistance, and liberation.

In sum, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto is set against a backdrop of growing discontent with the unsustainable pace of modern life and a critical examination of the legacies of historical injustices. Hersey’s work is a commentary on the social zeitgeist, which offers not just a critique but a transformative vision for reorganizing societal priorities toward well-being, equity, and restful resistance.