The Otium Den

Otium was once the preserve of the Roman elite.

The lucky ones retreated to their villas outside the city. There, away from the noise and demands of public life, they embraced otium. We loosely translate it as “leisure.” But the practice wasn’t idle or hedonistic. And it wasn’t passive. Otium requires serious engagement.

To those aristocrats, it meant time for reading, writing and serious contemplation. We might term it “personal growth” but otium is far less indulgent. It means competing in the marketplace of ideas, rather than simply speaking “your truth”.

The Otium Den is a terribly clever play on words, standing as a contrast to the 19th Century far eastern drug spots. Where Opium offers fleeting and immediate pleasure, otium can feel a bit uncomfortable. But it promises greater reward.

We too often approach politics and culture - the subjects of this newsletter - like opium. We seek short-term stimulation and vibes. It makes us unhappier and arrests innovation.

The Otium Den questions policies and practices across the personal, professional and political spheres. A space, I hope, not to moan, but to reflect and sometimes suggest how we might do things better.

About Me

Rafe Fletcher is a writer and entrepreneur based in Singapore. He is the founder of Coulthwaite Group - a communications and marketing agency.

Born and bred in London, Rafe has lived in Asia since 2019. He spent three years in a covid quarantined Hong Kong before settling in Singapore with his wife and two daughters.

He previously worked at the think tanks The Centre for Social Cohesion and Policy Exchange. And dabbled in sports journalism for The Evening Standard. He is a columnist for Conservative Home.