In a shocking development, German University is paying Rs 1.4 lakh to people for doing nothing. We are always taught that doing nothing and sitting idle will not earn us any rewards. However, sometimes our mind and body yearn and desire for doing nothing and just being idle. And surprisingly, it can turn rewarding as well, according to a university in Germany.
Apparently, the University of Fine Arts located in Hamburg, Germany, has come up with an interesting idea of offering ‘idleness grants’ worth 1600 euros (approx. Rs. 1.41 lakhs) to applicants who love to do absolutely nothing at all.
If you are someone who thinks they can successfully earn this grant for their love for being idle, all you have to do is fill an application form that consists of four questions. These questions ask you about what you do not want to do and for how long you do not want to do it? The third question asks your opinion on why you think it is important not to do this thing in particular and what makes a candidate the right person to not do the task.
According to design theorist Friedrich von Borries, who came up with this idea, this will help to understand how sustainability and high accolades can co-exist together. Talking to The Guardian, he explained, “We want to focus on ‘active inactivity’ If you say you are not going to move for a week, then that’s impressive. If you propose to not move and think, then that might be better.”
Now you might be wondering, what in god’s name is this experiment supposed to achieve? Well, according to Professor Friedrich von Borries. the creator of this project, it is important to understand the phenomenon of laziness on a much deeper level to form an eco-social transformation.
In his words, it is about exiting the constant success spiral and getting off life’s hamster wheel. He explains, “This scholarship programme is not a joke but an experiment with serious intentions – how can you turn a society that is structured around achievements and accomplishments on its head?”
He said in a statement to Deutsche Welle broadcaster, “If we want to live in a society that consumes less energy, wastes fewer resources, this is not the right system of values. Wouldn’t it be nicer to gain social prestige by saying, ‘I have time to dream … meet friends, put up my feet – I have time to do nothing?’”
He concluded, stating, “The search for success never ends, even if people have financial security.”
The interested candidate can submit their applications till September 15. The grant will be awarded to the selected candidates by January 2021.
