Idler’s Diary
12 October 2009
TO GLASGOW for a mini Scottish tour. I spoke at three events. The first was a conference about risk in childhood organized by Children in Scotland, a day which brought together various professionals involved in education and discussed how to resist the enclosures of capitalism and create situations which allow children to be more playful and adventurous. I felt apprehensive about condemning Calvin to an audience comprised of hard-working Scottish teachers, but they seemed to take it in good heart. The second event was set up by Idler web master Neil Scott. Neil put me on stage with Robert Wringham, editor of The New Escapologist magazine. Rob has recently quit his job and sold all his possessions. The talk took place at the Glasgow Social Centre, a new venue for community activists. We chatted about what is wrong with the world and how to improve things in our own lives, and then held a rousing singsong. The following night, I gave a talk organized by PHD student Andrew Wilbur at the university’s Hetherington Research Club. We had a great time philosophizing and making merry till late. Thanks very much to Children in Scotland, Neil and Andrew. TH
Robert Wringham and Tom Hodgkinson at the Glasgow Social Centre
Outside the Research Club, a Few Ales Down
"I do nothing and then I do something. But it's taken years of investigating idleness in all its forms to be able to achieve this. My discipline is borne out of concerted study of idleness."