On_Laziness

I enjoyed reading Christopher Morley’s essay, “On Laziness. Though confusing at times, I found it to be overall essay to be insightful and thought provoking. When I first read the essay I understood the gist of the writing, however there were several parts that left me puzzled. After carefully rereading numerous times and dissecting each paragraph, line by line, I have a much better understanding and thoroughly enjoyed this reading. This essay defends laziness. I love Morley’s use of irony and satire to get his underlying point across. It offers a perspective on the subject that is not normally explored. Although Morley writes in defense of laziness the essay is riddled with sarcasm. Morley’s terminology is brilliant because he uses words, phrases and examples of laziness whose implications are different that stated. Morley begins by stating that the writing has fallen short because he did not want to exert himself. So, the essay that follows is merely an example of what he intended on writing, had he not been to lazy to do so. While reading, I found myself agreeing with several passages. Some of the ideas expressed are actually thoughts that I have mulled over during several phases of my life. We live in a world where people are always on the go. Everyone is busy and there is usually never a moments rest. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can become a very heavy burden to bear, causing lots of stress and strain. However, people who are lazy are typically less stressed out. Since they don’t bother, nothing bothers them! People don’t want to be associated with a lazy person it is frowned upon by society. So being lazy is a sure fire way to be left alone. Individuals who choose to live their lives progressively, by working hard and helping others, have a lot more expected of them. The world looks toward diligent and energetic people as go-getters who are always willing to help. Sometimes this can make you feel overwhelmed or unappreciated, which is something a lazy person doesn’t have to deal with. I found myself nodding in agreement with the line “It’s a queer thing,” he said sadly; “no one ever comes to me asking for help in solving my problems.” There have been many times where I can’t find a moment’s rest so I turn off my phone and take some time to recharge myself because of the constant barrage of solving everyone else’s problems. I also enjoyed the idea that being born lazy is not acceptable. “The kind of laziness that is based upon a carefully reasoned analysis of experience. Acquired laziness. We have no respect for those who were born lazy; it is like being born a millionaire: they cannot appreciate their bliss”. This thought means that once you feel that have paid your dues you have the right to be lazy. So you have not just chosen to be lazy but that you have earned it. It is obvious to me that Christopher Morley has a hidden agenda here. He knows that everyone wants success in life so he is giving us a direct route to being unsuccessful, which is a good use of reverse psychology. He uses his wit to give a glimpse into an alternative existence. There is no need to excite, confuse, or exert yourself thinking you are going make some sort of difference in the world. “Save your mind to amuse yourself with”. He is challenging his readers by showing that we do not have to be active nor lively to be successful. The lazy man does not stand in the way of progress. So if you don’t want to progress and succeed in life; just step nimbly out of the way!