Josef Pieper argues that leisure is nothing but “an attitude of mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a capacity to perceive the reality of the world ” (p.45). Pieper uses historical context of religion, and philosophy to show that culture leisure is always at the pinnacle of all cultures. However, Pieper laments that the modern understanding of leisure is skewed because by labor and constant pursuit of material comfort. The contemporary clamor for entertainment creates distraction that creates a misconception of understanding of leisure. Pieper reasons that unless the modern generation regains the meaning of silence and solitude, there will be a devoid in the understanding of the meaning of culture. Distractions and constant multitasking make the mind enslaved to business thus poisoning the essence of leisure. In view of Pieper, slavery is mental. It accrues from people’s obsession with the struggles of non-aesthetics of life without enjoying the meaning of peace of mind.
According to Pieper, there is a difference between servile arts and the liberal arts, The main difference lies on the premise that servile arts comprise useful arts that adds value to humanity such as clothes, food, shelter and transportation. On the other hand, liberal arts include the arts that lead to better quality of life such as compulsive conversations, a better understanding and more engaged mind.
I think that America does so well in balancing between the liberal arts servile arts. Although career is a crucial part of the motivation for study, American does well in pursuit of leisure in terms of sports. However, I agree that we could do more by taking less attention to career and taking it to leisure.
Works Cited
Piepier, Josef, ed. Leisure: The Basis of Culture and the Philosophical Act. New York: Gnatius Press, 2009. Print.
