Just Don't

An engaging tour through pivotal moments in history, business, and culture that teach us that the best strategy is often doing nothing

Are you tired of being told you should act fast, do more, and constantly improve every aspect of your life? Good news: History advises otherwise—in fact, it tells us that many of life’s most vexing problems can be solved by simply waiting things out.

In this lively and far-ranging book, journalist Johan Anderberg recounts real-life moments spanning centuries and covering history, economics, sports, politics, and more—all illustrating a simple idea: Those of us who can resist the urge to act are often the most likely to succeed.

In these over-maxxing times when we’re told to optimize everything, patience is no longer seen as a virtue, and being circumspect is practically a character flaw. But as these surprising stories illustrate, there is power in inaction—to avoid costly mistakes, meaningless effort, tactical errors, and other irrational missteps.

So sit back and enjoy these inspiring stories of great idlers over the centuries—everyone from Ancient Romans to Warren Buffett, from military geniuses to chess champions, and more.

And if you get the urge to take action, remember: Just don’t.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs