Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang is a Silicon Valley-based author and futurist whose work explores productivity, rest, technology, and the future of work. He is best known for Rest, Shorter, and The Distraction Addiction, books that examine how deliberate rest, shorter hours, and mindful technology use can improve creativity and performance.
Biography & Author's Journey
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang built his career by moving between scholarship, forecasting, consulting, and public writing. As a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, he took a history of science course with Thomas Hughes and found the field that would shape his intellectual life. He stayed at Penn for both a B.A. and a Ph.D. in the history and sociology of science, and also studied corporate strategy at Wharton with systems-thinking pioneers Russ Ackoff and Hasan Ozbekhan. His first book, Empire and the Sun in 2002, reflected that original training as a historian. After teaching at Stanford and UC Berkeley, contributing to projects at Encyclopaedia Britannica, and developing digital archives, he moved into futures work at the Institute for the Future and Strategic Business Insights. That blend of historical method and strategic thinking became the foundation of his later writing on technology, creativity, and work.
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Tech, Mind, Philosophy & Self-Improvement
Tech, Mind, Philosophy & Self-Improvement
In an era of digital distraction, this plan bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern cognitive science. It is designed for thinkers and high-performers looking to optimize their mental systems and maintain human flourishing in a tech-driven world.
Boost My Productivity
Boost My Productivity
In an age of constant digital distraction, traditional time management is no longer enough to stay competitive. This plan is designed for professionals and creatives who want to move beyond busywork by mastering deep focus, habit architecture, and AI-driven optimization.
Self-Improvement, Tech & Behavioral Science
Self-Improvement, Tech & Behavioral Science
In an era of digital distraction, understanding the intersection of psychology and technology is essential for professional and personal success. This plan is ideal for high-performers and knowledge workers looking to optimize their cognitive habits and regain control over their digital environments.
Mind, Body, Tech & Creative Growth Habits
Mind, Body, Tech & Creative Growth Habits
In an era of digital distraction and burnout, this plan provides a holistic framework for peak performance. It is ideal for modern professionals and creatives looking to integrate physical wellness with technological efficiency and creative output.
Explore Tech, Habits & Psychology
Explore Tech, Habits & Psychology
In an era of constant digital distraction, understanding the intersection of neuroscience and habit formation is essential for maintaining mental agency. This plan is designed for professionals and students who want to reclaim their focus from addictive technology while leveraging psychology to build better personal systems.
Productivity, Mindfulness & Business Study
Productivity, Mindfulness & Business Study
In an era of constant distraction, the ability to merge mental clarity with strategic execution is a critical competitive advantage. This plan is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to scale their impact without sacrificing their well-being.
Mastering the Art of Focus and Flow
Mastering the Art of Focus and Flow
In an era of constant digital interruption, the ability to control one's attention is a competitive superpower. This plan is designed for professionals and creatives who need to transition from frantic multitasking to high-impact, deep work and peak performance.
Community Voices
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang is the philosopher reintegrating our bifurcated selves"
— Arianna Huffington ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang makes an excellent case for the critical importance of rest in our lives"
— Wendy Suzuki ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang offers original and often inspired ideas"
— San Francisco Chronicle ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang writes with an admirable focus on balance, on pleasure as well as success"
— Boston Globe ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang gives a practical, step-by-step guide for how others can follow their lead"
— Brigid Schulte ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang reminds us that our brains are still capable of feats far beyond the reach of computers"
— Mother Jones ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang has written a delightful and thought-provoking book on the science of restful living"
— Clive Thompson ((
"Alex Soojung-Kim Pang inspires us with a powerful vision: a shorter, more productive and enjoyable workweek"
— Valorie Burton ((
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
