Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant than ever

Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by mettamage on Thursday August 13, 2020 @12:44AM (#24139997)

I identify with his post. I always had a rebellious streak when it comes to people judging me. In return, I don’t judge other people myself. It also saves a lot of energy :)

That’s how I don’t feel guilty. I am not doing anything and you can do whatever you want in life too.

I find it tough to achieve though. I am currently at 4 days per week but would like to be at 3.5 days, that’s my optimum (lower than 3 days and I will go insane of not exercising my mind).

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by perfunctory on Thursday August 13, 2020 @03:28AM (#24140837)

> lower than 3 days and I will go insane of not exercising my mind

It's not like paid work is the only place where you can exercise your mind

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by mettamage on Thursday August 13, 2020 @07:32AM (#24142226)

I agree but I find it the most practical place. If I can’t exercise my mind, then there’s nothing for me at work other than obtaining an income (no SF salary here so no financial independence possible).

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by 6510 on Thursday August 13, 2020 @12:17PM (#24144971)

I do the same only I exercise the body at work.

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by mettamage on Saturday August 15, 2020 @07:20PM (#24173308)

Nice one!

Fair enough, I thought about doing that too. I chose for the mind, but IMO the body is a good option as well, especially because if you choose the right profession (i.e. light to medium exercise), it probably means you'll live longer.

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by dunefox on Thursday August 13, 2020 @03:57AM (#24140999)

If you need the workplace to 'exercise your mind' then I don't know what to tell you... all your free time gained this way is useless then if you don't know how to spend it.

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Re:Bertrand Russell's argument for idleness is more relevant... by mettamage on Thursday August 13, 2020 @07:27AM (#24142188)

One needs to work to survive. The benefit of work for me is to exercise my mind. Other forms are available but do not aid survival. So assuming everything else is equal, I should use work to exercise my mind.

The issue with work is that it is constrained to one thing (web dev in my case). I can use my free time to do whatever (relax or other exercises such as meditation).

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