Can we learn to live slowly in an era of speed?

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Etela Farkašová is a philosopher and writer who explores the friction between human existence and modern acceleration. From her roots in mathematics and physics to her work in feminist philosophy, she examines how we perceive time, art, and science in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Etela Farkašová's intellectual journey began with the hard sciences. Born in Levoča in 1943, she first studied Mathematics and Physics at the University of Trnava before transitioning to the humanities. She earned her degrees in Philosophy and Sociology from Comenius University in 1972, where she began a long career lecturing at the Department of Philosophy. This dual background in rigorous science and abstract philosophy informs her primary interests: epistemology and the intersections between philosophy, science, and art.

Her literary career took off in 1978 with the short story collection Reproduction of time, which earned her the Ivan Krasko Award. Since the 1990s, she has expanded her focus to include feminist philosophy and has become a significant figure in cultural exchange. She has collaborated extensively with Austrian writers, leading to a 2004 medal from the Austrian president for fostering cultural ties between Slovakia and Austria. She also holds memberships in several international literary organizations, including the Slovak branch of the PEN club and the Österreichischer Schriftstellerverband.

Farkašová’s recent work addresses the psychological toll of modernity. In 2018, she received the Anasoft Litera prize for her book Script, which explores the possibility of 'living slowly in fast times.' This theme of intentionality amidst acceleration is a central pillar of her contemporary output. Even after retiring in 2010, she remains active as an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and a researcher at the Center for Gender Studies, continuing to translate works and publish fiction, with 14 fiction books published as of 2023.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Can we redefine the human experience in an era of technology and climate crisis?
• Lyudmila Ulitskaya: The Russian novelist who finds wonder in the ordinary and the extraordinary.
• The Russian-born philosopher who shattered Europe’s highest academic glass ceilings in 1906
• How a Polish poet used irony to reveal the hidden truths of human existence
• The trailblazing philosopher who survived two arrests and a lost academic career
• How a fictional memory clinic helped Ariana Grande reclaim the top of the charts
• From bicycle mechanics to a 39-title football dynasty
• From Manchester United academy to the senior international stage
• From All-Star pitcher to federal inmate: the volatile trajectory of Esteban Loaiza
• Can a footballing dynasty be sustained by a single family?
• The only building in the world with a unique FIFA title
• From independent circuit underdog to WWE's newest villainous threat

More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics