Daydreaming and the Theory of Relativity

For any of you readers that take the time to check out this blog, whilst at work, I have some good news.
I found an article in the 'Los Angeles Times' that could give you the power you need if your boss finds you surfing the internet.

The author, Eric Weiner, has written an article about the results of a survey carried out in America.
Apparently, the average American worker 'wastes' slightly more than two hours a day, not doing their job.
The number one culprit is surfing the internet and sending personal emails.

However, Weiner points out that Americans shouldn't feel guilty about this, as they lead the world in worker productivity.
He also says that as jobs are increasingly intruding on our leisure time that the 'blurring' of the work/play divide should become equally hazy.

Weiner uses an excellent example of how workers need time to dawdle and dream to be productive and creative.
In 1905 Albert Einstein worked as a clerk in a Swiss patent office, and was a self-confessed slacker, or, as he himself put it, "respectable federal ink pisser".
But it was whilst gazing out of the window that he had the insight that led to the 'special theory of relativity'.

So, according to Weiner, we shouldn't feel guilty about daydreaming and broadening our minds by distractions at work, as who knows where it will lead.

In fact, Weiner has a book out in January, published by 'TWELVE', 'The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World'.
I'll be getting a copy.
Anyone who tells me it's OK to take a coffee break, surf the net and daydream, are certainly worth investing in.

I'm not sure how that all equates to the UK work ethic,or anywhere else in the world for that matter, but I'm prepared to over look that minor detail as the theory fits in very nicely with my general way of thinking.

So whilst I have been gazing out of the window to fuel my creative tendencies, Robin has been over at Leeds University, working hard with a number of guitar students.
As far as I know, he hasn't been looking out of the window, but only because there aren't any in the teaching room he uses.

But now I'm off to gaze out of the window, surf the net and generally daydream in a completely guilt free manner.
Thank you Eric.