The Art of Laziness; Tuesday, Second Period [07/18].

[sake_shinigami]

It was another morning in the park, by the duck pond, underneath the tree, with a pot of tea ready, already being enjoyed by the instructor settled into his usual spot and watching the cloud roll by in the sky. And, of course, he took his time when everyone started to gather in getting started with today's class; taking one's time was (sometimes) a strong aspect of properly laziness, too, after all. But there was a gesture and a nod, sometimes a tip of his hat, toward the tea pot so everyone could help themselves if they wanted, and then, he'd go ahead and get started.

"Ohayō, ducklings ♥," he greeted, "let's have a discussion today, neh ♥? I've been sort of thinking that, in able to truly understand the art and purpose of proper laziness, one must understand its opposite...know thine enemy, yes ♥? Because I'm sure that, despite the fact that we all come from a wide variety of cultures, societies, and worlds, there is likely an overarching theme that hard-work and perseverance and giving it your all are concepts held in high regard, while laziness or taking your time or perhaps even just a flippancy toward achieving certain goals or tasks are frowned upon. But why is this? What has caused these beliefs? Concepts like meritocracies, a certain so-called 'Protestant work ethic,' the idea that to have something be meaningful and worthwhile, it has to be earned, the idea that self-sacrifice is noble, and that the more of yourself you give, the more you deserve...

"In order to dismantle something effectively, it doesn't hurt to understand it. So let's examine these concepts, where they came from, what experiences you have with the idea that laziness is a bad thing, actually, and see where there might be merit and where we've all been duped into believing that blood, sweat, and tears are the most efficient marker of how one must go about things ♥. Or, we can just fundamentally accept that such concepts are ridiculous, enjoy our tea, enjoy our day, and enjoy each other's company and mutual laziness, as well ♥. But I would like to hear your thoughts, should you feel motivated enough to share ♥."

Comments

Sign In - AoL, 07/18.

[sake_shinigami]

Working hard or hardly working?

Re: Sign In - AoL, 07/18.

[wildgalegirl]

Charlie Gale

Re: Sign In - AoL, 07/18.

[pun_king]

Graham Cracker

Re: Sign In - AoL, 07/18.

[what_big_teeth]

Eleanor Zarrin

Listen to the Lecture - AoL, 07/18.

[sake_shinigami]

Unless that's too much work, in which case, you definitely pass for the day, good job.

Discussion: The Antithesis of Laziness - AoL, 07/18.

[sake_shinigami]

Why do you think the idea of working hard has gained so much merit in so many cultures and societies? Is there a similar belief where you're from? What can we do to combat it? Should we combat it? What are some benefits and detriments to such a belief, and why does laziness get such a bad rap?

Any thoughts at all you'd like to share are welcome, although if you're not feeling like you want to bother, who is Shunsui to complain?

Re: Discussion: The Antithesis of Laziness - AoL, 07/18.

[wildgalegirl]

Charlie was sprawled out comfortably with her guitar. "I think there are things that you need to put more work into -learning an instrument or the music for a gig coming up - but I think sometimes people take a long time to get something done so they think everyone should need to. Me? If I can use a charm to do something, why not?"

Re: Discussion: The Antithesis of Laziness - AoL, 07/18.

[pun_king]

"I mean," Graham offered, "I like doing things because they make me feel good and accomplished! And that's a great feeling! But not doing anything can be pretty great, too. Sometimes. As long as there wasn't stuff you needed to get done, and then you just feel bad about being lazy when that stuff should have been done, so I think there's probably a balance situation going on. You do enough stuff so you don't feel bad about being lazy!"

Talk to the Teacher - AoL, 07/18.

[sake_shinigami]

He may or may not be hoping for a few other perspectives or excuses he might not have thought of yet himself to throw at his Lieutenant and Captain Commander the next time complaints of his own laziness roll around.

OOC - AoL, 07/18.

[sake_shinigami]

Still not ready for the latest batch of episodes, but by waiting, that just makes it easier to binge it all at once instead of flailing every week!