Now that most of the pandemic constraints have been lifted, people everywhere are bathing in the rekindled pleasure (le plaisir retrouvé) of “farniente” … the exquisite pleasure of doing nothing. Sidewalk cafés are full and doing a smashing business again. It seems that people are trying to make up for lost time, just like after a long war…
This “farniente” business has long been a revered Latin tradition. It was adopted only recently by Americans who were long deluded to believe that “time is money”. The French, on the other hand, adopted a different maxim: “Je ne fais rien, mais je le fais bien” (I do nothing, but I do that well.)
But enlightened Americans (Californians?) have seen the errors of their ways and now spend a great deal of time atoning for their past sins. They pack sidewalk cafés and restaurants like there were no tomorrows. Time has been devalued.
Let’s not forget that “farniente” is an art and… a sport. Like any discipline, it requires long hours of practice, and the mind has to be in tune with the body. You “cannot do nothing” and keep ruminating about business or some other silly nonsense. You have to be Zen.
One of the few things allowed when doing nothing is people-watching. As a matter of fact, when you have reached the first level of farniente, you will have to pass a little test to see if you are proficient enough to practice. I don’t like to brag, but I have a 3rd dan in people-watching, so if you need any help, talk to me.
When you do people-watching, you do not stare or whistle, no matter how appealing the subject is. You just glance casually, but with some training, you can absorb in seconds the essence of a person.
People-watching by the way also includes pet-watching. I love dogs and yes, and I never miss an occasion to observe, even pet them. I can be guilty of staring and even engage in some badinage with the owner of the beast. Animals know when you like them and will let you have your way with them. Women are not very different. Did I just feel a light tremor?
The great thing about farniente is that it is eminently affordable. You don’t need any special equipment or uniform and when the mood strikes, you can practice anywhere. In a car, in a plane, at home, or in the office.
It is true that some people have become addicted to this pastime, and that it is fairly difficult to cure them of this dependency, but it can be done. Many former elected officials are now employed in private industry, and after a few detox sessions, they are now more productive than in their best years in government.
When the mood strikes, never hesitate: farniente, go for it!
Alain