Leisure and Human Development

There’s been an interesting discussion recently taking place throughout the country. Many of our colleagues are exploring the following question; “In twenty words or less, tell what the value of leisure is to human development.”

The question would appear to be set-up for a straight forward response. On the contrary, the further we delve into the process the more diverse the answers become. Here’s just a few we’d like to share –

From Shaun Cavanagh

“The value of leisure to human development can be expressed by considering what life would be like without it.”

From Thom Anderson… Lyndon State College, VT

"Freedom isn’t won on a battlefield or found in a bank account. It resides in playfulness. Play and be free."

From Bruce Larson… Western Kentucky University

"Most of what I need to know in life I learned by 5 while playing. The rest I learned while jogging." (Sorry for being so verbose. That was 21 words.)

From Chris McCutcheon (haiku version)

Work: Done to survive
Play: Creates social people
No one is an isle


Here’s our response (Chris & Ken)

"As essential as water and air -- leisure is elemental for complete human development."

Take a moment or two and give the original question some thought. What would your answer look like?
Cheers, Ken