In preparation for presentation...

Previously I have spoken in absolute favour of idleness and supported the importance of internal reflections made during ones period of 'doing nothing' in particular, possibly because I became incredibly excited at the prospect of something that we often see as a weakness, being labelled something of a strength. However, after reading Ollie's note (as below) on Tom Hodgkinson's book "How to be Idle" I must admit that my opinion has been altered somewhat. While I still maintain, what I believe to be the sometimes necessary act of choosing to be idle, I also agree with Ollie's note on the subject, that awareness of the potential results of our actions is necessary. We must understand that we are relying on the ‘labours of others’ to assist in our idleness, and it is from this thought that I have come to another conclusion and what I believe, to be the difference between idleness and laziness.
For me, the fundamental difference between the idle individual and the lazy is their full understanding of the effects their action may have, and secondly the full appreciation of this. While the idle person, is as so and appreciates the possible repercussions of this and, (possibly more importantly,) the fact that it is the hard work of others that allows them to do so, the lazy individual is ignorant to such appreciation. While both are selfish actions, as both are being done purely for the satisfaction of the individual, one is as so with far more integrity than the other .....

....The lazy soul does not appreciate the time spent dwelling on nothing in particular, does not use his or her time to reflect or to contemplate or to simply appreciate their own gentle breathing; they are not aware of how precious and valuable their time spent ‘idling’ is, whether as the idle individual understands and greatly values this moment (or two, or three?) entirely to themselves and with their own thoughts. The idle person does not waste this precious moment, but spends it developing within, and in a sense uses it to obtain a certain ‘clarity of mind’ and face the day, afternoon or evening ahead. The lazy person sits/lies motionless, unthinking and unaware of their beating heart, or moans perpetually of the supposed emptiness that surrounds them, seeming almost ungrateful for the simple gift of life, and what is more, does nothing whatsoever to better it. The idle person is as so in between a life rich with laughter, challenge and achievement. They understand the benefits of their idleness in its moment, but also the benefits of working hard and of passionate motivation , all a stark contrast to such resting. To appreciate one, the other must be appreciated also...idleness would not be as pleasurable a thing if done constantly, for it would lose its essence, its ‘point’ if you like, and therefore meaning. (If we had Christmas every day, it would no longer be a special occasion. I feel that the same thing can be said for idleness.)

I think that to be lazy, is to be constantly idle, and to be constantly idle is to lose all appreciation for what it is, in itself. If not understood for its quality, its quality is lost and the person too becomes lost in their constant selfish condition.