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If you loved
Books like How to Be Idle
A witty, erudite permission slip to step off the treadmill of modern productivity and reclaim the lost art of doing absolutely nothing. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with How to Be Idle.
- cozy
- contemplative
- defiant
- relaxed
- 01
How Proust can change your life
Alain De Botton
A witty, comforting blend of literary criticism and philosophy that turns an intimidating masterpiece into a warm guide for everyday living.
- 02
The art of frugal hedonism
Annie Raser-Rowland
A playful, practical guide to squeezing maximum joy out of life while spending less.
- 03
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
Donald Robertson
A grounding, practical guide to applying ancient philosophical wisdom to the pursuit of modern happiness.
- 04
Slowing down to the speed of life
Richard Carlson and Josephy Bailey
A reassuring guide to stepping off the modern treadmill and finding inner calm through present-moment awareness.
- 05
The pig that wants to be eaten
Julian Baggini
A bite-sized playground for the intellect that turns everyday assumptions into delightful, brain-bending puzzles.
- 06
Quirkology
Richard Wiseman
A playful, eye-opening romp through the bizarre and hidden science of everyday human behavior.
- 07
Ikigai
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
A gentle, sunlit stroll through the daily habits and quiet mindsets that make a long life truly worth living.
- 08
The Art of the Good Life
Rolf Dobelli
A brisk, practical toolkit for navigating the complexities of happiness and success.
- 09
The antidote
Oliver Burkeman
A deeply comforting permission slip to stop trying so hard to be happy and embrace the messy, uncertain reality of being human.
- 10
The procrastination equation
Ph.D. Steel, Piers
A witty, science-backed mirror held up to our worst habits, offering a guilt-free roadmap to finally getting things done.
- 11
Rest
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
A validating, science-backed permission slip to step away from the grind and reclaim your downtime as a vital creative force.
- 12
Don't Get Too Comfortable
David Rakoff
A bitingly funny, Wildean grand tour through the absurdities of American overconsumption and the special circle of gilded-age hell we've built for ourselves.
