Tom Hodgkinson unpacks the contents of the brand spanking new issue of the Idler

How idle were John and Paul? That’s the question asked by Stuart Maconie in the new issue of the Idler. Maconie’s piece examines the wilful indolence of Lennon and the more dynamic, positive attitude of Paul.

Of John, journalist Maureen Cleave wrote: “He can sleep almost indefinitely, is probably the laziest person in England”. Was it the harmony of the contemplative and active principles that was among The Beatles’ attractions?

Elsewhere David Bramwell celebrates that “disreputable Epicurean” Alan Watts, original hippie and promoter of Zen Buddhism in the West, and Henry Eliot discusses Homer’s Odyssey ahead of the new Christopher Nolan film.

You can also read about our Art Flâneur’s trip to Paris and my adventure in Egypt, plus Arthur Smith, Georgia Mann, Rowley Leigh, Lindsey Bareham, Joseph Piercy, Modern Toss and loads more.

Rush out to Waitrose or Smiths now or subscribe.

Live well,

Tom

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Subscribe to the Idler here and get 17% off the shop price plus a FREE copy of Idle Thoughts by Tom Hodgkinson, worth £8.95

A Drink with the Idler

Our next guest on “A Drink with the Idler” is the art and garden historian Tim Richardson, who will be talking to Tom Hodgkinson about how humans have shaped landscapes.

Mark Vernon will also present a new Thought for the Week.

That’s Thursday 11 June, 6pm-7pm.

Find out more and book tickets here. It’s FREE to subscribers – otherwise £7.50.

How to Live Like a Stoic

The July 2026 issue of the Idler (#110) is available in Waitrose, Smiths and TG Jones.

Click here for your nearest stockist.