Once a fault-line has been spotted in a culture that prevents that culture from achieving its potential, an academic has an ethical duty to critically analyse and address that fault-line.

Alan Bleakley. Medical humanities and medical education: How the medical humanities can shape better doctors.

The culture of academia is built on the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth, but there is ‘fault-line’ that limits us from achieving our full potential. The prevailing notion is that busyness and exhaustion are associated with productivity and meaningful outcomes. However, this mindset is flawed and can lead to a cycle of overwork and burnout, ultimately hindering true academic progress.

By recognising that busyness doesn’t equal productivity, we can foster a culture that values focus, intention, and sustainable work practices. This shift in perspective can unlock the true potential of academia, enabling scholars to produce their best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.