Ancient and medieval philosophers understood the value of leisure. The modern world, on the other hand, has generally abolished leisure and has replaced it with the world of total work. This has led to much of modern restlessness and despair.
Leisure is not idleness, but is an attitude of the mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a receptivity to both physical and spiritual realities. Leisure has been, and always will be, the first foundation of any culture. It allows time for the contemplation of things, including the nature of God. Leisure has been, and always will be, the foundation of any culture.
Unless we recover true leisure and replace our frenetic amusements and relentless striving, we will destroy our culture and ourselves.
-Josef Pieper, Leisure: The Basis of Culture
Reflection Paper 1: REST AND LEISURE
In 300 words, considering vocabulary and key concepts from class, please answer the following questions:
1. How is rest part of the Creation story? When does it occur in Scripture? Include one citation, properly cited, no more than 1 sentence.
2. When in your life do you participate in this Creation event, as noted in the Pieper quote above? Please name 2-3 occasions as examples.
3. In what ways do you try to rest, but find further restlessness?
4. Is rest a lack of activity, or a celebration of some kind? Why?
