B2 – Upper Intermediate
Laziness has always been considered negative. However, from a totally different perspective, being lazy isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Having lazy bones can, in fact, foster efficiency, creativity, and prioritization. Embracing occasional laziness promotes rest, mindfulness, and quality over quantity, preventing burnout, and encouraging adaptability.
Striking a balance allows for a more thoughtful and effective approach to life’s demands.
Read the article below and have a better understanding as to why being lazy isn’t always bad and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the idiom “on the brink of” mean? “Many might even feel like they’re on the brink of madness, partly because they’re worried they’re not doing as much as they think they should be.” Use it in your sentence.
- What does “idleness” mean? “Now more than ever, we need idleness and the calmness that it brings.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does the word “eschew” mean? “We try to cram even more tasks into the day, thus eschewing slower (and healthier) activities that make us happy, such as taking a walk or reading a good book.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Can laziness be seen as a form of self-preservation, especially in today’s world where burnout is a prevalent concern? Explain.
- How does the connection between laziness and poverty impact the understanding of an individual’s work ethic?
- How do psychological factors like fear and hopelessness contribute to the manifestation of laziness in individuals?
- How does the modern concept of busyness, even when imposed, affect our perception of self-worth and happiness?
- Can laziness, in certain cases, be a manifestation of a deeper existential dilemma? Share your opinion.