16 Comments

Good points about the benefits of idling, time for uninterrupted reflection, etc. You can get some of that from a country stroll but it's nice to be still.

Somewhat related: I enjoy long solo air flights for one reason only - lots of idle dozing time, like when I've traveled from from Canada to the UK as an example. If only it wasn't was damned cramped. Trains could also work.

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If everyone behaves themselves trains and planes are a great place for this. But I find that ‘quiet carriages’ rarely have the level of quiet I would prefer. Those infernal smartphones are a major culprit yet again.

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The contemplative life is a goal.

To everyone who finds it difficult adjusting to a contemplative life and having to deal with the subtle thaws at your conscience to be "productive," I recommend "Leisure: The Basis of Culture" by Joseph Pieper, and The Leisure State, an essay by G.K Chesterton.

Idleness as stated by Tom is not contradictory to having a strong work ethic. What changes is merely direction of flow between work and leisure. A "productive" culture moves from leisure to work. That is, we rest to work. But a leisurely culture moves from work to leisure: we work to rest.

Rest no longer serves work. Instead, intense work punctures the euphoria of a contemplative life. A leisurely life is transcendental. But work - as in a strong work ethic - keeps you here, not allowing you to evaporate or totally escape the physical realm.

Thanks.

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Fantastically said. Thank you. Nothing else to add as this is a perfect statement and the reading recommendations are first rate too. Cheers.

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"There are few models for simply looking out of the window every single day."

It almost seems impossible to both be very popular on social media while also living a truly leisurely life. It's theoretically possible, but the two things seem antithetical almost, which i guess is why there are so few models out there

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There comes a point, I guess, where you have to choose a side. I’ve chosen mine. But hopefully I can have a genuinely positive influence on my not massive readership…

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Another great piece - i was curious which thought path you would go down and it was not what i expected but incredibly satisfying. Are you familiar with The Idler https://www.idler.co.uk/ ? And specifically to your point about staring out the window and doing nothing, I can relate to your friend as I will often leave my phone and books inside and just sit on the porch watching - it is surprisingly effective at calming me. But I think - as with your friend and myself - it's easier (not sure if that's the word) to do "nothing" while watching taht which we cannot control, ie the outside world or nature or the people in a coffee shop or pub. I have never been able to just sit in our living room and do nothing (unless i'm meditating but that's doing something). Do you notice the same theme in your experiences of being idle?

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I am familiar with the Idler yes. It's (d)evolved into a more upper middle class bohemian lifestyle magazine which somewhat alienates an idler of more humble origins such as myself. But it's a net good still. And I always scan Stewart Lee's music reviews and at least one or two of the essays each issue.

The having something to watch aspect is a great observation. I like a window to look out of (either my own flat or a train window as it winds through the countryside), but I have been known to lie on the sofa and stare at the ceiling. This is pretty advanced level loafing though, I am perhaps dabbling above my level when I flirt with this practice.

Thanks for the comment as always Trilety.

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I can totally see that about the Idler! And hahah yea, you are Loafer Supreme to stare at the ceiling - maybe I will try and shake up my Idling routine and try an indoor ceiling session. . . will report back!

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Godspeed. It can get rough if there’s stuff going on. Or you might fall asleep. Looking through the window while lying on the sofa is the intermediate stage before you turn your gaze directly up to the ceiling.

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Suzuki said "A Zen student must learn to waste time conscientiously." I love that quote, I think it very much applies to your thought-provoking article.

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If I'd've come across this before I would have almost certainly quoted it. Says what I was trying to say in a single sentences. And probably better too! Cheers.

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Sep 10, 2022
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Perfect.

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Sep 10, 2022
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The paradox- which may be worth me expanding on more in future- is that I too am a proponent of having a strong work ethic. I think you should do things properly and to the absolute best of your ability. But so many things don't need doing and also have no craft or ability to improve and sink your teeth into them. The pointless emails that define so many jobs are a case in point.

So I think when you work truly work and when you relaxed truly relax. Most are perpetually stuck in the middle, spending all day half working and getting neither meaningful results or any fun.

Given this culture of perpetual half work the struggle to be idle is real. But it is worth pursuing. It is, in my opinion, the true meditation. No robes or crossed legs necessary.

Thanks for the comment Harold, I'm delighted I could be of some small service here.

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I know the feeling!

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The conditioning dies hard.

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