Reading - Il Dolce Far Niente

Read the text and complete the activities below.

In modern society, people always ask: "What are you doing today?" If you answer "Nothing," people think you are lazy. We live in a world where we must always be productive. But in Italy, there is a famous phrase: Il Dolce Far Niente.

In English, this translates to "The sweetness of doing nothing." It is a vital part of Italian culture. Il Dolce Far Niente is not about being lazy and watching TV on the sofa. It is an active celebration of the present moment.

How do Italians practice this? They might sit at a café in a plaza and just watch people walk by. They might spend three hours eating lunch with their family, enjoying the taste of the wine and the conversation. They don't check their watches. They don't worry about emails. They appreciate the beauty of simply existing.

This concept teaches us that "doing nothing" is actually an event. It is a moment to recharge our minds. When we stop rushing, we can find joy in the small, sweet moments of life.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Multiple Choice

1. What does "Il Dolce Far Niente" mean?
Select... A) The sweetness of eating Italian food. B) The sweetness of doing nothing. C) The art of being very productive.

2. How do people usually react in modern society if you say you are doing nothing?
Select... A) They think you are lazy. B) They think you are very smart. C) They want to do nothing with you.

3. Which is an example of Il Dolce Far Niente?
Select... A) Running to catch the bus while eating a sandwich. B) Sitting at a café for hours just watching people. C) Watching TV while answering work emails on your phone.

Activity 2: True or False

1. Il Dolce Far Niente means watching TV and being lazy all day.
Select... True False

2. Italians often spend hours enjoying a meal with family without looking at their watches.
Select... True False

3. The text says that "doing nothing" can help recharge our minds.
Select... True False