No Stupid Questions 136. Is Sloth a Sin or a Virtue?
17 snips
Mar 5, 2023 The debate over whether sloth is a sin or a virtue is fascinating. The hosts navigate the thin line between laziness and thoughtful patience, examining modern interpretations of procrastination. Personal anecdotes pepper the discussion, revealing the dual nature of sloth in productivity and fulfillment. They also highlight how selective engagement can prioritize meaningful tasks. Plus, a delightful fact check about actual sloths brings a fun twist, alongside listener reflections on birthdays and upcoming topics like ultra-processed foods!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sloth vs. Deliberateness
- Sloth is viewed as laziness or inaction, often associated with slow movement.
- However, sometimes slowness can be virtuous, like patience or deliberateness, as in the Navy SEAL saying "slow is smooth, smooth is fast".
Modern Sloth
- Modern sloth manifests as procrastination or quitting tasks midway.
- Being slow and reflective, like using System Two thinking for big decisions, is different from laziness.
Historical Sloth
- Historically, sloth meant neglecting spiritual duties, not necessarily laziness as understood today.
- Richard Neuhauser highlights this distinction in his book on the seven deadly sins.
