534 Roman Muradov – On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness
Summary
Roman Muradov is an award-winning author and illustrator living in San Francisco. I speak with Roman in this interview about his new book On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness
His work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Paris Review, Vogue, and Lucky Peach, among others. He has designed books for Penguin Random House, including the Penguin Classics Centennial Editions of James Joyce's Dubliners and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. He also has a couple of medals from the Society of Illustrators, and an imaginary dog named Barchibald.
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Discussion Topics
- How to not make art in order to make art.
- Expression and the pursuit of an authentic life.
- The reason we do art, there is no reason at all.
- The art of being idle. Tools, thoughts and techniques.
Quick round questions
Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?
Waking up at the same time every day.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Get over yourself. Be nice to people. Be patient.
What is the meaning of success?
I don’t believe in success or failure.
What is your number one productivity advice?
Breaking work up into little chunks of time.
What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?
Try to appreciate every day a bit more.
Favourite Food
Ramen
Favourite Leisure Activity
Walking
Favourite Book
Life: A User’s Manual (Verba Mundi) (English and French Edition)
On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness
Favourite Quote
“We don’t need to see anything out of the ordinary. We already see so much.” Robert Walser
Do we all have a why?
No. I think life is meaningless.
What does living with passion and purpose mean?
Getting through the day with minimal suffering.
The Underlying Motivation.
Communicating something that can only be communicated in a certain way. And knowing that you have to do it is good enough for me.
Connect with Roman
Website Bluebed
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
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