Just finished reading Tom Hodgekinson's " How to be idle". What a fantastic book. It actually encompasses what I have felt throughout my life but haven't been able to articulate it. There is no better way of life then living an idle life!! What does that mean? Do nothing? Yes, to a certain extent. Live in harmony with life and the world. Living an idle life is the finest way of living I've come across (trust me! I've been part of the rat race for over 30 years). When there are no targets i.e. get up at 6.30 am rush to office by 9.00 sit like a drone till 6.00 (Can't leave early - what will the boss think!!) reach home too tired to really do what one wants. Sit in front of the TV have a few drinks, eat dinner go to sleep. What a life!!
I now get up at my own time (around 7.10, b'cause of the kids) read a bit with my tea (its become a routine), exercise for about 25 minutes (not an idle moment there), have breakfast and get ready by 10.30 or so. Now either I work at home or go out and meet people, see shows, go to the library or do whatever is necessary. 4 days in a week lunch is at home with the kids (maybe more). Have a nap for 25 minutes and then am fit to take on the world again. Evening I go for a walk/ jog and after that I have a drink which can carry on even after dinner. Friends drop in of and on and I find that conversation is much more interesting after a drink. The art of conversation is livened up with a drink. Without a drink I find that most conversations are either gossip, complaints, monologues or asinine talks on shopping. I find that Ad's and marketing have made good living very difficult.
I try my best to live the good life and an idle life. It's not easy - there are too many things, people, occasions and events that try and draw me back to "The real world", Wife, children, schools friends etc. Everyone knows what I'm doing. In their heart of heart I think they support it however people are quite fazed by the fact that I'm not interested in working from 8 to whatever time for a salary of a couple of crores. How come I'm not interested in buying a house?? a bigger car?? designer clothes?? and... god knows what else.
Do we require all these to lead a good life??
I think not
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