Concept · Time & Prioritization
Deep Work
Origin: Cal Newport (2016)
Biological Parallel
Chimpanzees crack nuts using stone anvils—a cognitively demanding task requiring 3-7 years to master. They perform this deep work in isolation, away from social distractions, because the task demands full working memory and motor precision. Interruptions reset progress. Deep work isn't about willpower—it's about creating predator-free, distraction-free environments where complex cognitive tasks can unfold without hippocampal disruption. Flow states require defended boundaries.