We are all agreed that there's a lot to complain about in contemporary society. Boredom, exploitation, an explosion of legislation and interference with our everyday freedoms: central government and big business seem to make life more difficult with each month that passes.

But do we really need to take to the streets to protest? Or would a more effective form of resistance be to take to our beds and quietly recreate our own lives? In this issue of the Idler, we reflect and philosophise on the notion of protest.

CORINNE MAIER interviews three French filmmakers making anti-work movies; we meet the brilliant history professor RONALD HUTTON. JAY GRIFFITHS writes on missionaries; JOHN NICHOLSON celebrates paradise; we ask whether there's any point in going to university and PENNY RIMBAUD reveals the meaning of life. Plus articles on the practical side of idling with advice on treehouse-building and beer-brewing.