Laziness Does Not Exist (2021) by Devon Price, Ph.D., is a work of nonfiction that challenges deeply ingrained societal beliefs about productivity and self-worth. Price is a social psychologist and professor at Loyola University of Chicago. Drawing from his expertise in social psychology and from his personal experiences, he argues against the concept of laziness, framing it as a harmful myth perpetuated by capitalism. He traces this myth to its roots in Puritan morality and the history of slavery in the United States. The book directly confronts what Price refers to as the “Laziness Lie,” which is a source of unnecessary stress, burnout, and shame in modern society. Through a blend of scientific research, cultural analysis, and personal anecdotes, Price explores how the pressure to be constantly productive affects mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. He offers readers a new perspective on work, rest, and human value, providing strategies to combat internalized beliefs about laziness and to embrace a more compassionate approach to productivity.

This study guide refers to the 2021 Atria Books eBook edition.

Content Warning: The source material discusses mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction. It also contains references to slavery and the exploitation of enslaved people.

Summary

In Laziness Does Not Exist, Devon Price introduces the concept of the “Laziness Lie,” which is a pervasive belief system that equates productivity with self-worth. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout and overwork, Price recounts how he maintained a facade of energy and reliability while privately struggling with exhaustion and resentment, showing how the Laziness Lie operates in individuals’ lives. He challenges the common understanding of laziness, arguing that it is a myth designed to pressure individuals into constant productivity. Instead, Price emphasizes the importance of rest, self-compassion, and the recognition that individuals’ self-worth is not tied to their productivity.

Tracing the origins of the Laziness Lie back to Puritan morality, Price discusses how this ideology was weaponized by enslavers to justify the exploitation of enslaved people in the United States. Over time, this connection between morality and productivity spread to impact all levels of society. Price examines how this ideology has evolved and persisted, reinforced by modern media portrayals of hyper-productive heroes while mocking characters who display normal human limitations.

Price encourages individuals to reframe behaviors that are often labeled as “lazy.” He argues that these actions are often protective responses or signs of underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. For instance, he explains that apparent “laziness” in depressed individuals is often a sign of the body working to heal itself. Price also addresses procrastination, suggesting it often stems from anxiety or perfectionism. Rather than pushing these issues aside, Price advocates for a new perspective that sees feelings of laziness as internal signals indicating a need for rest or change. He says therapeutic techniques like expressive writing and meditation are ways to connect with emotions and needs that are often suppressed in a productivity-focused culture.

As Price delves deeper into the consequences of the Laziness Lie, he presents research on the diminishing returns of working beyond 40 hours per week. He cites studies indicating that people are only truly productive for about three hours per day, and pushing for longer work hours often backfires. He introduces the concept of burnout, drawing on social psychologist Christina Maslach’s work to explain its severe consequences on both health and productivity. To combat this, Price offers practical strategies for reducing work hours and improving work-life balance, such as advocating for workplace autonomy, focusing on the quality of work rather than hours spent, and breaking the work-life interference loop.

Price then addresses society’s obsession with achievement, particularly highlighting how this affects marginalized groups. He discusses how individuals from vulnerable populations often overcompensate through excessive achievement. Price contrasts this constant quest for achievement with the psychological concept of “savoring” positive experiences. He also explores how gamification in various aspects of life, from learning platforms to social media, can lead to compulsive behavior and an unhealthy focus on quantifiable achievements. To counter this, he suggests strategies for disconnecting from digital pressures and finding the intrinsic value in activities.

The impact of the Laziness Lie extends into personal relationships as well, often leading to imbalanced expectations and emotional exhaustion. Price shows how relationships can become a constant source of stress and emotional drain if individuals don’t establish boundaries. He also discusses how factors such as race and gender identity can exacerbate these pressures. Price emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and challenging societal expectations that lead to exhaustion and resentment.

Finally, Price analyzes the societal pressure to conform, particularly in professional settings, and how this relates to the Laziness Lie. He argues that individuals—especially those from marginalized groups, like women and people of color—often have to suppress their authentic selves to succeed in certain environments. This pressure extends to body image issues and the diet industry’s role in perpetuating harmful productivity myths. Price also addresses activist burnout, highlighting the importance of sustainable activism and setting realistic goals while finding joy in efforts to improve the world.

Throughout the book, Price advocates for developing boundless compassion as an antidote to the Laziness Lie. He encourages individuals to dissociate productivity from moral value, challenging the assumption that being busy or productive is inherently virtuous. By embracing rest, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-compassion, Price offers a new paradigm for understanding productivity and personal worth.