What is *Essentially Less* by Dirk von Gehlen about?

*Essentially Less* challenges modern society’s obsession with excess, advocating for minimalism in content consumption and production. Journalist Dirk von Gehlen argues that **attention** is our scarcest resource in the digital age, urging readers to prioritize quality and relevance over quantity. The book introduces concepts like the **satiation effect** (where more information reduces understanding) and the **Pareto principle** (80% of value from 20% of input) to rethink how we engage with media.

Who should read *Essentially Less*?

This book suits **content creators**, **digital professionals**, and anyone overwhelmed by information overload. It’s ideal for readers seeking strategies to declutter their media diets, improve focus, and create impactful work without burnout. Fans of productivity frameworks like *Digital Minimalism* or *Deep Work* will find fresh perspectives on attention economics.

Is *Essentially Less* worth reading?

Yes – its concise, actionable insights (presented in a **"minifesto"** format) make it a quick yet transformative read. Von Gehlen combines research, personal experiments (like writing the book itself as a summary), and practical exercises to help readers reclaim their attention. Critics praise its relevance in an era dominated by AI-generated content and shrinking attention spans.

What is the **satiation effect** in *Essentially Less*?

The satiation effect describes how consuming **too much information** diminishes returns – beyond a point, extra input harms understanding rather than helping. Von Gehlen uses this concept to justify why shorter, focused content (like TED Talks or book summaries) often delivers more value than exhaustive deep dives in today’s fast-paced world.

How does *Essentially Less* apply the **Pareto principle**?

The book argues that 20% of effort/content typically yields 80% of results/value. Von Gehlen encourages readers to identify and focus on this high-impact 20% – whether trimming social media use, editing writing, or selecting learning materials. He provides tools to audit personal and professional habits through this lens.

What makes *Essentially Less* a **"minifesto"**?

Unlike traditional books, it’s structured as a series of **short, declarative statements** backed by examples – mimicking the concise content it advocates. This experimental format mirrors von Gehlen’s thesis: impactful ideas don’t require excessive length. The book itself serves as proof that "essentially less" can be more memorable.

How does Dirk von Gehlen’s journalism background influence *Essentially Less*?

As Head of Innovation at Süddeutsche Zeitung, von Gehlen redesigned long-form journalism for digital audiences. This experience informs the book’s critique of **clickbait culture** and its blueprint for creating meaningful content that cuts through noise. Case studies from his media career illustrate principles like strategic brevity.

What is a key quote from *Essentially Less*?

“**Attention is the oil of the 21st century** – and we’re all running on empty.” This metaphor underpins the book’s argument: just as fossil fuels powered industrial revolutions, attention drives today’s knowledge economy. Von Gehlen warns against squandering this finite resource on low-value content.

Essentially Less Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Essentially Less

Dirk von Gehlen

Productivity

Self-growth

Technology

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

In a world drowning in content, "Essentially Less" challenges our addiction to information overload. Dirk von Gehlen's 2023 manifesto reveals why attention - not information - is our scarcest resource. Could the secret to modern productivity be subtraction rather than addition?

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Essentially Less isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Productivity. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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@djmikemoore

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Essentially Less

Dirk von Gehlen

Productivity

Self-growth

Technology

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary6min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Flash Card8 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

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The Paradox of Abundance

00:00

We live in an age of unprecedented abundance. Information, entertainment, and opportunities are at our fingertips 24/7. Yet, this abundance comes at a cost. Our attention spans are shrinking, our stress levels are rising, and we're constantly battling the fear of missing out. The irony is palpable – in our quest for more, we often end up with less of what truly matters. Consider this: When was the last time you sat in silence, free from the urge to check your phone or scroll through social media? For many of us, such moments of pure, undistracted presence have become rare luxuries. We've become so accustomed to the constant influx of information that silence feels almost uncomfortable. But what if this discomfort is precisely what we need to embrace?

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Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

Essentially Less Summary in 6 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Essentially Less into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 8 Insights from Essentially Less in a Nutshell

Distill Essentially Less into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Personalize

Experience Essentially Less in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

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Essentially Less by Dirk von Gehlen Summary

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Similar books to Essentially Less

More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Paradox of Abundance

The Power of Conscious Reduction

Quality Over Quantity: Redefining Success

The Art of Conscious Attention

Creating Space for Creativity and Innovation

The Challenge of Less in a More-Obsessed World

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Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Essentially Less in a Nutshell

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Essentially Less Summary in 0 Minutes

Download Essentially Less PDF

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More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Paradox of Abundance

The Power of Conscious Reduction

Quality Over Quantity: Redefining Success

The Art of Conscious Attention

Creating Space for Creativity and Innovation

The Challenge of Less in a More-Obsessed World