Author: Roman Muradov
Started: December 29, 2018
Finished: January 1, 2019
Pages: 104
Genre: Philosophy
First Sentence: On the 9th of November 1937, Daniil Kharms wrote the following: "Today I wrote nothing. Doesn't matter."
Summary: [From BN] In an age of obsessive productivity and stress, this illustrated ode to idleness invites readers to explore the pleasures and possibilities of slowing down. Beloved author and illustrator Roman Muradov weaves together the words and stories of artists, writers, philosophers, and eccentrics who have pursued inspiration by doing less. He reveals that doing nothing is both easily achievable and absolutely essential to leading an enjoyable and creative life. Cultivating idleness can be as simple as taking a long walk without a destination or embracing chance in the creative process. Peppered with playful illustrations, this handsome volume is a refreshing and thought-provoking read.
Thoughts: I thought this would a quick little self-help book talking about how to relax and take time doing nothing. It was not. It's definitely more philosophical. That said, it basically said what I was hoping to read just in more flowery prose.
Muradov doesn't argue for "doing nothing" so much as he argues that we need to give our brains time to rest and wander. That means taking long walks or simply pondering. The rest gives our brains time to make connections they might miss when they're over scheduled.
His language is rather dense to get through and his paragraphs can wander about, but that just lends itself to the idea that, sometimes, it's okay to just let you mind go where it wants.
This is a short little book that is, thankfully, more approachable than Aristotle. It's not a light read, but it does make you want to say no to a few more things in lieu of quiet time.
Rating: 6/10 [Good]
Comments