Idler

29/07/2026

More cartoons by Royston in every edition of the Idler!

Check them out at idler.co.uk

27/07/2026

Quote of the week: Socrates

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The Idler is a magazine and academy dedicated to fun, freedom and fulfilment. Subscribe today from £2.50 per month.

24/07/2026

Is Andy Burnham an idler-friendly Prime Minister?

“Well, there’s the fact that he actually reads poetry, which I think is in his favour.

“Some may call him a ‘professional politician’. But that’s good, says Socrates: ‘We should never elect businessmen as our leaders because they are lovers of gain.’”

In this week’s newsletter, Tom Hodgkinson considers whether Andy Burnham has the qualities of Plato’s philosopher-king - and what the ancient Greeks might teach us about choosing our leaders.

Read the latest issue by signing up to our mailing list: https://www.idler.co.uk/ -list

The Idler is a magazine and academy dedicated to fun, freedom and fulfilment. Subscribe today from £2.50 per month.

23/07/2026

Fantastic performances from the cast of Trainspotting the Musical last night, says Tom Hodgkinson. Lots of fun, energy and wit!
welsh Trainspotting the Musical

22/07/2026

More cartoons by Gray Joliffe in every edition of the Idler!

Check them out at https://www.idler.co.uk/articles/

20/07/2026

Quote of the week: Dr Johnson

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20/07/2026

It’s been a week since we gathered beneath the apple trees at Fenton House for three gloriously slow days of the Idler Festival.

It was undeniably hot, but what a joy it was to welcome so many old friends and new faces for another year of idling in the orchard.

There was plenty to occupy us: from Waning Moon Tea Ceremonies, Philosophy Slam and Craftivism Workshops, to Poetry Salons, Stoic Singalongs and Five Minute Parties.

Our brilliant speakers reminded us to think more deeply, laugh more often, notice more carefully and resist the temptation to rush through life.

Thank you to everyone who came, taught, performed, volunteered and idled with us. 🐌

16/07/2026

More cartoons by Modern Toss in every edition of the Idler!

Check them out at our link in bio.

14/07/2026

“Lionel Messi is an idler hero. He is the greatest player on earth – possibly the best ever. But, for much of a game, he just strolls around, looking strangely detached from the sound and fury of the toiling footballers alongside him – both his opponents and his own side. And then, suddenly, he spots an opportunity, has a sudden injection of energy and scores a match-winning goal.”

Harry Mount argues that Messi, Haaland and even Dr Johnson share a surprising philosophy: don’t strive constantly. Learn your craft, bide your time, then strike when the moment is right.

Read the full blog on

The Idler is a magazine and academy dedicated to fun, freedom and fulfilment. Subscribe today from £2.50 per month.

02/07/2026

Before there was streaming, there was Homer.

As Christopher Nolan prepares to bring The Odyssey to the big screen, Henry Eliot asks a more important question: which translation should you read first?

What began on a fire watcher’s perch during the Blitz became a publishing phenomenon, and a reminder that great stories reward those who take their time.

Read the full article in the new issue of The Idler. https://www.idler.co.uk/article/how-to-read-homer/