In the book, Price attempts to "dispel as a societal myth" the "link between self-worth and productivity".

[1] He analyzes television and film to demonstrate the history of the belief and interviews experts and acquaintances to explain the harm of overcoming laziness.

[1] Price also explains his thesis through the experience of being LGBT, referencing the career of Andrew Tobias.

[3] The Financial Times says the book "is definitely worth a read" for those looking to understand why they aspire to a goal of productivity.

[1] John Warner of the Chicago Tribune writes, "the exploration in the book is nuanced and thorough", also noting that objections to the premise are confronted clearly and gently.