Opinion Today: Chris Hayes on how to master attention in the age of distraction

The first lesson? Don't try to busy yourself out of boredom.

View in browser|nytimes.com January 7, 2025 By Vanessa Mobley Senior Editor, Opinion If you feel distracted — even hounded — by the news of late, imagine how Chris Hayes feels. The MSNBC host of "All In With Chris Hayes," on four nights a week, doesn't find it merely necessary to be aware of what is going on. He is professionally obligated. But there is a difference, as Hayes explains in his recent guest essay for Times Opinion, between staying apprised of what is happening in the world and becoming a person who feels "trapped in an age that leaves no space for us to simply sit and think." Hayes calls on readers to rethink old advice about how to manage information overload. And he makes a strong case that because he is "both an attention merchant and a compulsive customer," he knows that better habits and individual restraint are no match for a 24-7 news culture. Reading this essay, as well as Hayes's forthcoming book, "The Siren's Call," helped me to understand that stillness — and even boredom — are vital tools in any effort to cultivate knowledge of the world. Read the full essay here. Illustration by Mathieu Larone. Guest Essay Chris Hayes: I Want Your Attention. I Need Your Attention. Here Is How I Mastered My Own. The problem we face is existential and spiritual, not situational. By Chris Hayes Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Guest Essay I'm the Governor of Hawaii. I've Seen What Vaccine Skepticism Can Do. Before I was governor of Hawaii, I saw how Robert Kennedy Jr. contributed to a measles outbreak in Samoa. By Josh Green More From Opinion Guest Essay How Deep Is the Wound to the Democratic Party? Is liberalism actually dead this time? By Thomas B. Edsall Michelle Goldberg Elon Musk's Dishonest Demagogy on Grooming Gangs The billionaire is exploiting old atrocities to undermine his enemies. By Michelle Goldberg Saying Au Revoir to a Trudeau. For Now. Canadians have soured on his brand of progressivism, but voters are fickle. By Serge Schmemann America Needs a Norovirus Vaccine, Now What better way to remind people of the power of vaccines than to eliminate the misery of vomiting? By Alexandra Sifferlin The Ezra Klein Show Burned Out? Start Here. The self-help author Oliver Burkeman argues that the path to productivity — and peace of mind — begins with accepting your limitations. 1 HR 4 MIN LISTEN Guest Essay How to Turn Climate Into a Working-Class Issue Under Trump Climate issues are fueling the cost-of-living crisis, especially for the poor and working class. By Daniel Aldana Cohen and Thea Riofrancos Guest Essay Now Is the Time to Reimagine Lebanon The fall of the Syrian regime and loss of Iranian influence opens the door for the Lebanese to finally take their fate in their own hands. By Michel Helou Abolish the Golden Globes Unless they make a better case for their existence. By Anna Marks, Adam Sternbergh and Jessica Grose The Opinions There's More to Wine Than Just a Cancer Warning A wine aficionado argues that the surgeon general's warning misses this type of alcohol's complex joy. 8 MIN LISTEN Illustration by Cristiana Couceiro. Photographs by Getty Images letters The 'Darkest Day': The Trauma of Jan. 6 Is Still With Us Readers discuss a guest essay by a former Capitol Police officer and news articles. Also: Health coverage woes; investing in science education. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018