New York, NY – April 13, 2026 – Independent scholar and writer Mara Naaman is raising awareness around what she sees as a growing cultural imbalance: the pressure to prioritise outcomes, productivity, and measurable success over deeper learning, creativity, and human connection.
Drawing on her experience as a former professor of Comparative Literature and Arabic at Williams College. Naaman is encouraging individuals to rethink how they define achievement.
“I don’t like to think in terms of success or outcomes,” Naaman says. “Being invested in process means being able to learn for the sake of our own enlightenment.”
Her perspective comes at a time when research points to rising levels of burnout and disengagement. According to a 2023 Gallup report, only around one-third of workers globally feel engaged in their work. In education, studies show that more than 40 percent of university students report persistent stress and anxiety, often linked to performance pressure and expectations.
Naaman believes this trend reflects a deeper cultural issue.
“Being ‘success-oriented’ and focused on how everything in life is monetizable distracts us from what is most important,” she says. It is about seeking fulfillment and a sense of purpose, not just external validation.”
Reframing Learning and Work
Naaman’s own career reflects a long-term investment in ideas rather than outcomes. After studying English Literature at Wesleyan University, she pursued Arabic language and literature, eventually earning a PhD from Columbia University. She spent several years living in Cairo, where she deepened her understanding of the culture and language she studied.
Her academic work has focused on Egyptian cultural expression and theories of space. She has tried to show how literature connects to lived experience, political struggle, and the desire for a more equitable world.
“I consider myself a culture worker,” she says. “What we contribute to this world, how we treat others, and human connection are what’s most important.”
Experts in education and psychology increasingly support this view. Research shows that intrinsic motivation—engaging in work for its own sake—is linked to higher levels of creativity, persistence, and long-term satisfaction. By contrast, environments driven solely by external rewards can reduce engagement over time.
A Personal Approach to Change
Rather than calling for large-scale reform, Naaman emphasises individual action.
She encourages people to create space for reflection, creativity, and meaningful engagement in their daily lives.
“Thinking beyond a ‘success mindset’ means fully immersing ourselves in our lives,” she says. “It means taking the time to produce work we care about and to be good to those around us.”
Her own routines reflect this approach.
“Write lists, look at my calendar, keep screen time to a minimum,” she says. “Read widely. Talk to friends. Keep running. Remember to laugh.”
She also draws inspiration from her upbringing.
“I remember how much my mother had to fight to survive,” she says. “That perspective keeps me grounded.”
Why This Matters Now
As digital platforms continue to amplify comparison and productivity culture, individuals are increasingly exposed to constant measures of success. Studies suggest that frequent social media use is linked to higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem, particularly among young people.
Naaman argues that stepping away from these pressures, even in small ways, can have a meaningful impact.
“Being who I want to be in the world means a willingness to embrace uncertainty,” she says. “To still go on seeking inspiration, being moved by the art all around us, and trying to be a force for good.”
Call to Action
Naaman encourages individuals to take simple steps to shift their focus:
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Set aside time each week for reading, writing, or creative work without a goal
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Reduce time spent on platforms that encourage comparison
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Focus on depth rather than speed in learning or work
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Engage in meaningful conversations and community
“Start where you are,” she says. “The point is not perfection. It’s attention.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Mara Naaman
Mara Naaman is a New York–based independent scholar, writer, and editor. A former Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature and Arabic at Williams College. She earned her PhD in Arabic Literature from Columbia University and has conducted extensive research in Cairo as a Fulbright Scholar. Her work focuses on contemporary Arabic and American cultural production, gender, and working-class identity. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the City College of New York and is at work on a novel.
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