This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
The Greek islands offer a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, individual freedom, and a deep appreciation for authentic living that reminds us to embrace life’s moments fully. Here, the gentle sounds of the sea mixing with the hum of fishing boats serve as a natural, peaceful alarm, drawing attention to the Greek’s unique perspective on time. Greek culture distinctively views time in two ways: Chronos, the ticking, quantitative sense of time passing, and Kairos, a qualitative, more mindful experience of time. While Chronos marks the chronological order and forward movement of time, Kairos captures the richness of a single moment—such as taking a deep breath or laughing with friends. Life on the islands embodies this Kairos approach, gently reminding visitors to prioritise meaningful experiences and authenticity over the rush of daily schedules.
During a recent visit to Paxos, I experienced this unique pace and its effect on the island’s culture. The Ionian islands, including Paxos, sit on the western side of the Greek mainland and are said to feel, according to locals, “more Greek” due to their history. Unlike much of Greece, these islands were never occupied by the Ottoman Empire, allowing them to maintain traditional Greek customs and a distinct cultural atmosphere. Two key insights stand out from my experience there: first, Paxos displays a notably permissive culture where people value freedom and individual expression. In a world often dominated by rules, expectations, and social pressures, the people of Paxos have cultivated a relaxed mindset. This outlook invites us to release the grip of constant obligations and embrace a more relaxed, fulfilling approach to life. Here, there is no rush or pressure to meet every standard, providing a refreshing contrast to the hurried, structured pace often experienced in urban life.
The second insight is Paxos’ idyllic, peaceful culture, which encourages appreciation for simple pleasures. Unlike the portrayal of happiness seen on social media, where material gain and the pursuit of perfection dominate, the people of Paxos find happiness in modest, everyday moments. On Paxos, fulfilment is found not in having more or striving to appear “better” but in being fully present and enjoying the basics of life. Social media often amplifies a sense of inadequacy, urging us to seek a more impressive body, career, or lifestyle. Paxos gently pushes back against this by reminding us that joy often lies in what is readily available and genuine.
Though more can be said about the culture and lifestyle found on the island, these two simple observations were enough to see that the people there were some of the happiest and most fulfilled with life. The passage of time is inevitable, but this does not mean we cannot control how we fill our time. After all, time is our greatest enemy and most valuable asset, so it is our duty to use it wisely. The goal, therefore, is simple: more Kairos, less Chronos.
