Of all the deadly sins, slothfulness is the least problematic. In fact, most people would benefit from becoming more like a sloth, not less.
TIME DOES NOT EQUAL ENERGY
THE LIE OF PRIORITISATION
How many of you have worked in environments where you have said, “I can’t get all of this done; there isn’t enough time,” and the response was, “Well, prioritize it”? And prioritization is another one of those phantoms, those fantasies.
And yes, you should prioritize things so you get the most important things done first; but is the expectation that prioritizing those things will somehow result in getting them all done? What would be the response if you said, “Okay, this means that a certain number of these things will not get done. Let’s decide what’s not going to get done”? And if the response is, “But they all have to get done,” then you know that the prioritization argument was a fantasy.
But we are heading into a future where AI is not going to make this better. Unless we understand ourselves, our psychology, why we have gotten into this mess, AI will make things worse, because that’s what we have done with new technology until now. How much further can you be stretched before you break?
AI and You podcast, Special Episode: AI and Our Relationship with Time, Monday August 28, 2023
CATS: THE OTHER SLOTH POSTER CHILD
cat laziness is so contagious. you’ll see your cat flopped on its back in your bed a completely comfy cozy baby and you’ll be like. you’re right. you make a compelling argument.
feluka on Tumblr
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS LAZY
As a coach I don’t believe in “lazy.” You could be dealing with anxiety or executive dysfunction or chronic illness or any number of impediments that society may deem “lazy.” But that’s not who you are, especially if you’re seeking help.
Spark Creative Life Coaching
LAZY OR DESIROUS OF CONNECTION?
LAZY TRICKSTERS IN FOLKLORE
Fairytales offer an excellent example of how the significant shortcomings (sins) of a character are either reviled or forgiven depending on who the storyteller positions as the sympathetic character.
Is the lazy Puss In Boots smart or just lazy? He’s smart! We love tricksters, who are by definition lazy, because rather than work hard for their spoils they take shortcuts, ripping others off. The best tricksters are basically psychopaths.
SLOTH AND CAPITALISM
SLOTHFULNESS IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
See: Against the Cult of Busyness
HUMANS REQUIRE VAST SWATHES OF FREE TIME
On the odd occasion when I get a day to myself, I wonder what to do with it. As a parent who works full-time, time off is a rare occurrence. Unstructured time can feel unfamiliar and anxiety-inducing, particularly to those who live by the clock.
If you want to live a life rich in meaning, first you must learn how to do nothing by Nadine Levy
ACTUAL SLOTHS
Now, in case you were here for actual sloths, you won’t leave disappointed.
