Amidst the Rush, a Call for Reflection on Modern Speed

In an era defined by relentless acceleration, aesthetician and media critic Lee Young-jun's new book, 'Speed Criticism,' offers a profound examination of 'speed' as a driving force of modern civilization. The book delves into the techno-humanistic implications of our obsession with velocity, exploring how it shapes our daily lives and the very fabric of society.

Lee dissects various 'speed machines' and systems, ranging from high-speed transportation like bullet trains and rockets to the instantaneous delivery services and rapid communication methods that characterize contemporary life. He illustrates how speed is not merely a physical phenomenon but a complex system of social conditions and interconnected elements, which he terms the 'chain of speed.' For instance, the perceived speed of air travel is influenced by factors beyond the aircraft's velocity, including airport procedures and transit times.

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If you move too fast or push too hard in the air, which is society, a shock wave occurs.

The book posits that the relentless pursuit of speed can generate societal disruptions, akin to the sonic boom created by a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier. Lee argues that moving too quickly or forcefully through society can lead to unintended consequences and turbulence. This "wake" behind our rapid progress, he suggests, manifests as various social ills such as corruption, discrimination, and abuse of power.

'Speed Criticism' advocates for the importance of 'reflection' and 'slowing down' in our hyper-fast world. Drawing an analogy from fluid dynamics, Lee explains that just as a fast-moving object creates a turbulent wake, our unceasing forward momentum can leave behind a trail of problems. He emphasizes the need to look back and address these "wakes" before they become destructive, highlighting the paradoxical necessity of speed limits and pauses in a society driven by the imperative to go faster.

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As air, a fluid, flows turbulently behind an aircraft flying through it, a wake forms behind us as we rush forward in society.