Importance of Being Idle: A Little Book of Lazy Inspiration

by Stephen Robins

“The time that a man may call his own,” observed Charles Lamb, “that is his life.” In an age of increasingly long and stressful working hours, The Importance of Being Idle is a call-to-arms for would-be loafers to turn their hands to absolutely nothing whatsoever. This compendium of guidance and wisdom from prominent loafers argues with stunning wit and impeccable logic that idling plays an important role in both the progress of civilization and in our daily well-being. Just the thing to bring harried executives to their senses or to help committed idlers while away the lazy hours.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

226 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2000

Reviews

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightfully, indolent read! Here are all the reasons why being idle is good for our souls. Snippets of information about the best idlers from times past to current days, and lovely quotes, about the benefits of 'being idle,' from ALL sorts of people. I loved it, I liked the style it was written in, short paragraphs and short two page dialogues. I had many a chuckle as I read.

[Hessel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Please -- for the sake of human civilization -- don't do anything. Be idle. Be as idle as you can."

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny interesting read did tend to repeat itself at the end though

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read at a VERY idle pace

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend who knows my penchant for humorous quotes gave me this. It's more than a book of quotations, however; it is something of a manifesto for loafers, summoning all the great rallying cries (oh dear, that's not what I mean... we idlers are too lazy to rally). There are middlingly long passages (but nothing too taxing, of course) that denigrate busy-ness or sing the praises of la dolce fa niente. It's a little volume, light in the hands. Perfect for drifting off to sleep to.

[Will Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great quotes to help you release resistance from the work-a-day world. It is important to remember that in our crazy 24/7 go-go lifestyle, that SLOW IS THE NEW FAST.

So, just slow down and enjoy life.

Grab a good book and just leisurely pass the hours. You are an infinite being - you have forever.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a college essay. He makes his point, backs it up with a bunch of quotes and moves to his next point. Yawn.

[Magdalene Lim · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good quotes here and there though generally not memorable. A true idler wouldn't read this book or bother finishing it.

[Meryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and amusing.

[Slow Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's cuddle and be idle.