Dudeism
Dudeism
"The Dude Abides." — The Dude
History
Dudeism — formally known as The Church of the Latter-Day Dude — was founded in 2005 by Oliver Benjamin, a journalist and self-described slacker living in Thailand. Inspired by the philosophy embodied by Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (the laid-back protagonist of the Coen Brothers’ film The Big Lebowski), Benjamin realized there was a need for a modern "religion" dedicated to chillness, non-materialism, and easygoingness.
Though relatively young, Dudeism taps into ancient traditions — drawing from Taoism, Epicureanism, Zen Buddhism, and a dash of American counterculture. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of officially ordained Dudeist priests around the world, spreading the sacred art of "taking it easy."
What is Dudeism?
At its core, Dudeism is a lifestyle, philosophy, and semi-parodic religion that encourages people to chill out, live simply, and enjoy life without unnecessary stress. It’s about letting go of uptight expectations, focusing on what really matters (good friends, a good rug, and the occasional oat soda), and abiding in the face of life’s inevitable chaos.
Importantly, while Dudeism uses humor and irony, its core message is genuine:
- Relax, don't worry so much, and try to be cool to others.*
The Philosophy of Dudeism
Key ideas of Dudeism include:
- Abide, don't strive: Not everything needs to be a battle. Sometimes the best thing to do is roll with the punches.
- Take it easy, man: Life is too short to waste it stressing about things beyond your control.
- Minimalism and simplicity: Less is often more. Possessions, ambitions, and obligations can weigh you down.
- Compassion and tolerance: Be kind. Be forgiving. No one is perfect (especially not nihilists).
- Non-dogmatism: Unlike traditional religions, Dudeism does not demand rigid beliefs.
There are no sacred texts beyond what resonates with you. If it helps you chill, it's righteous.
Dudeism also lovingly critiques the "overcomplication" of modern life, suggesting that returning to simpler, more genuine pleasures is not regression — it's liberation.
Recommended Reading
- The Abide Guide: Living Like Lebowski by Oliver Benjamin and Dwayne Eutsey
- The Tao of the Dude by Oliver Benjamin
- The Dude De Ching (a translation of the Tao Te Ching in Dudeist language)
- The Big Lebowski and Philosophy: Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom (ed. Peter S. Fosl)
Recommended Watching
- The Big Lebowski (1998) — The sacred text, so to speak.
External Links
When in doubt, just abide.