James Reed: all about business 34. The importance of being idle: A serious case for doing less | Tom Hodgkinson
We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle?
Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down.
In this episode, we learn about the philosophy of idling, challenge traditional beliefs that hard work is inherently good, and explore the idea that true fulfilment, in both life and business, can be found in activities that restore the soul, body, and mind.
Tom Hodgkinson founded The Idler Magazine in 1993 together with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Tom has worked over 20 years in editing and advertising, while also writing several books on the philosophy of idling and its benefits.
00:35 The Puritan work ethic
08:03 Tom Hodgkinson's journey
12:03 Starting the Idler magazine
14:41 The Idler Academy
25:10 Modern work ethic and AI predictions
33:30 The bookshop dilemma
38:26 Challenges of running a business
47:20 The digital pivot
50:43 Idler Retreats and experiences
52:47 The philosophy of idling
Links
Buy Business for Bohemians, by Tom Hodgkinson
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