Content Warning: The section of the guide contains references to enslavement and the exploitation of Black people.

Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto is a reflective response to the societal conditions prevalent in Western society in the early 21st century, where the glorification of busyness and the normalization of overwork have become central tenets of modern life. This period, characterized by rapid technological advancements, the rise of the gig economy, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, has led to an increasing awareness of the mental and physical toll of such a lifestyle. Hersey’s manifesto emerges as a critical voice in the midst of a societal shift toward recognizing the unsustainable nature of these demands.

The social context of the book is heavily influenced by movements that advocate for mental health awareness, racial justice, and economic equality and envision these as intersecting, which have gained prominence in recent years. Hersey interweaves these themes, pointing out how the capitalist system disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Black people, by perpetuating cycles of exploitation and neglect. The book’s publication following global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social justice protests highlights the urgent need for a societal reevaluation of work, rest, and equity.