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.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90416439/why-being-lazy-isnt-always-a-bad-thing
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the idiom “to fall off the agenda” mean in the sentence, “Today, mere survival has fallen off the agenda, and it is long-term vision and commitment that lead to the best outcomes?” Use it in your sentence.
- What does the idiomatic expression “written into our genes” mean in the sentence, “But it could be that laziness is written into our genes?” Give a sentence using the expression.
- What does the expression “rat race” mean in the sentence, “But strategic idleness is a high art and hard to pull off—not least because we are programmed to panic the moment we step out of the rat race?” 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, as suggested by Albert Camus and others? Share your opinion.