In Praise of Idleness

Book cover of In Praise of Idleness: The Classic Essay with a New Introduction by Bradley Trevor Greive

Book description

Bertrand Russell is considered “the Voltaire of his time,” and Bradley Trevor Greive is considered one of the funniest people of his. Russell was a Nobel Laureate, and Greive is a New York Times bestselling author. Together, with Russell bringing the philosophy and Greive bringing the hilarious commentary, this book…

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Why read it?

1 author picked In Praise of Idleness as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Carl Honoré

Author

Published in 1932, this essay hails from an era long before side hustles, smartphones and social media. And yet it still feels fresh and relevant today. Russell saw the cult of work as a form of social control – you keep people down by keeping them working. His view that more time for leisure would create a kinder, gentler society chimes with the Slow philosophy. In Praise of Idleness is a delicious paean to the art of doing things – or nothing at all – for the sheer joy of it.

From Carl's list on slowness.