Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
"Brian O’Connor offers a systematic attempt not only to defend idling, but also to convince sceptics that it is more than just a bit of fun. . . . [
Idleness is] a concise well-argued and highly readable contribution to this literature."
---Harry R. Lloyd, Times Literary Supplement"O'Connor's vision of idleness is very ambitious and compelling, and the implications of the kind of shift he advocates are not insignificant. . . . [A]n exhilarating read."
---Anthony Morgan, The Philosopher"[A]n alternative and altogether refreshing take on our favourite deadly sin."
---Sarah Murdoch, Toronto Star"The book's focus on the post-Kantian tradition is its great strength. Engaging with that tradition is a uniquely valuable way to bring certain contemporary assumptions about the good life into view."
---Robert Piercey, Philosophy in Review"This lucid, concise, and rewarding book claims not to advocate for this idle, free life, but to be only critical of the other, accepted, opinions."
---Bartholomew Begley, Books Ireland"Cogent and accessible,
Idleness is especially good at identifying inconsistencies in the 'worthiness myth' (the obligation to become worthy on one’s humanity through self-realization and industry) advanced by influential Western philosophers."
---Glenn C. Altschuler, Tulsa World"O’Connor’s vision of idleness is very ambitious and compelling, and the implications of the kind of shift he advocates are not insignificant . . . . [A]n exhilarating read."
---Anthony Morgan, The Philosopher
