Episode 35: Doing Nothing (Part I) (Ingrid Nelson and Simon Gottschalk)

We Might Be Tables

Otium and Accidia are two Latin terms that broadly connote a time of leisure. The difference, however, lies in the former being "productive" leisure and the latter being listless, "unproductive" leisure. In their article 'Doing nothing is all the rage: Is it a form of resistance, or just an indulgence for the lucky few?', Ingrid Nelson, Professor of English at Amherst College, places these ancient concepts in the 21st century, and questions whether the recent (perhaps capitalist) "productivity" trend of doing nothing is in fact a position of privilege.

Alternately, in their article 'In praise of doing nothing', Simon Gottschalk explores the activity (for lack of a better term) of doing nothing as a social boon, something that must not only be accepted, but encouraged. They address concerns of unchecked social and technological acceleration, and present convincing arguments for taking things much more slowly.

In this episode, we discuss both of these articles in conjunction, and think through our own positions on leisure and productivity. Even if doing nothing is a possibility, would it be morally justified? How do we balance the need for work and the need for freedom? Why do we often consider work and freedom to be diametrically opposed?

Give us a listen, and send us your thoughts! We'd love to hear from you.

P.S. Extra points for anyone who can tell us how many times we struggled with the name "Gottschalk".

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Mentioned in the episode:

'Doing nothing' is all the rage

In praise of doing nothing

A post on the subreddit r/latestagecapitalism