On the practice of idling, Tom Hodgkinson writes: A characteristic of the idler's work is that it looks suspiciously like play.

The idler, on the other hand, sees no reason not to use his brain to organise a life for himself where his play is his work, and so attempt to create his own little paradise in the here and now.

It is a school which offers online and real-world courses in the classical liberal arts and practical skills.

The Idler Academy teaches philosophy, astronomy, calligraphy, music, business skills, English grammar, ukulele, public speaking, singing, drawing, self-defence and other subjects.

[8][9][10] Entries were nominated by Idler readers and Academy students and judged by a panel of experts.

Winners 2018: The NHS 2017: Transport For London Contributors and interviewees who have been featured in the Idler include: