Tuesday, 22 September 2009
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Leisure: Waiting for the Weekend
Waiting for the Weekend author Witold Rybczynski references philosopher Josef Pieper four times in this informative book about how people have spent their free/leisure time over the centuries. I was pleased to learn that Americans dont necessarily have the most vacation/festival/holy days at all. But the reason for mentioning this here is to tie the details into our bookclub discussion on Leisure: The Basis of Culture. In the sense that leisure is a retreat from the abstract and universal to the local and particular, it becomes the basis of culture. It provides a different structure, defines time, makes a statements, in short, it undergirds society. (pg233) That type of language is what makes me identify myself with Pooh when it comes to comprehending the basic tenets of Pieper's defense of leisure.
I think I understand most of life (nevermind leisure) simply because I've been given spiritual eyes and ears. My mind has been renewed. Yes, that's my testimony.
But back to Rybcznski and Pieper. Aside from Witold mentioning Josef's book on festivity and linking him to the Aristotelian idea that leisure is necessary for happiness, I was more delighted to read about Professor Pieper's Sundays.
What made Sundays different for him?
As a child after church he distinctly remembers the pleasurable feelings of satisfaction after meeting a serious obligation. (pg 75) He remembers different clothes, special meals, afternoon drives, and the Ed Sullivan Show.
Knowing and making Sundays (worship) special are key to leisure, and therefore key to the health of a culture.
Think about it.
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Waiting for the Weekend
By Witold Rybczynski
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Comments (9)
@Dominionfamily - Mark Skousen wrote a review of Leisure for The Freeman in 2002, and I hope to include his thoughts in some of my future posts. I expect him to explain to me how leisure and capitalism are not in conflict. We'll see :)
--Mystie
@mystiedawn - Hi Mystie! If there is anything I can say or do to encourage you in your celebrations, I hope to. Start small, plan ahead, and expect blessings. When children are young and small, the arrangement should be different than one with an older crowd.. I come from a family with strong traditions and a mother who is an organizational maestro. But I am sure that anyone can do it. My point is that the ordinary daily routine should actually be building or establishing foundations for these celebrations. Sometimes we dont realize that - or see the pattern.
I love the photograph!
Carol
@magistramater - We will miss you, Carol. But I hope you will pop in and make comments anyway. I always like to read what you have to say.