The Laziness Lie

Many clients, especially those with ADHD, find the word “lazy” to be problematic and even triggering, so I knew I had to read Devon Price's thought-provoking book, Laziness Does Not Exist. This 2021 nonfiction work challenges our societal obsession with productivity and the harmful myth of laziness. Price's central thesis is that laziness isn’t real, but rather a societal construct that conflates a lack of productivity with moral failure. Price argues that what we often label as "laziness" is actually a result of various factors such as burnout, lack of resources, or systemic barriers.

Price effectively questions the deeply ingrained laziness lie that has roots in Puritan work ethic. By exploring the psychological underpinnings of this belief, the book offers readers a fresh perspective on their own behaviors and self-worth and provides strategies for setting better work-life boundaries.

While the book presents a compelling case against the concept of laziness, it falls short in addressing potential counterarguments. A more balanced approach, acknowledging situations where the term "lazy" might be applicable, could have strengthened the overall argument. Price also does not address how work (broadly defined) helps give purpose and fulfillment especially with appropriate boundaries.

As a therapist, I find Price's work valuable in addressing issues of self-worth and burnout. The book's emphasis on kindness towards oneself and others aligns well with therapeutic approaches that focus on self-compassion and stress reduction; however, it's important to note that completely eliminating the concept of laziness from our vocabulary might oversimplify complex human behaviors. In therapy, we often need nuanced language to describe and to work through various states of motivation and action.