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Is Laziness a Life Philosophy?
How Embracing “Laziness” Can Lead to Greater Wisdom and Inner Peace
“Laziness” — is it really a bad thing, or perhaps a misunderstood life philosophy? In our society, the word “lazy” is often used negatively. My mother occasionally calls me “lazy and good-for-nothing.” When I was younger, hearing that would always leave me uncomfortable. But over the years, my perspective has shifted. Is “lazy” truly a derogatory term?
The opposite of “lazy” is “diligent.” Yet in today’s world, diligence doesn’t always lead to the ideal results. In fact, it can often become a moral burden that weighs heavily on many of us. What if we could redefine “laziness”? Instead of seeing it as something negative, perhaps it could mean refraining from unnecessary involvement, or taking time for self-care. Laziness, in this context, could even be considered a form of wisdom.
I’ve observed that people who are often labeled as “lazy” tend to have a clear boundary when it comes to responsibilities. They avoid overextending themselves and are more selective about what they take on. They don’t take on everyone else’s problems and allow themselves space to focus on their own lives. In a time when it’s important to maintain emotional and relational boundaries, choosing to be a bit “lazy” can actually lighten the emotional load.
