Books for leisure

Leisure, as a concept, is much debated and discussed. I will not attempt to enter this heavily populated academic terrain of ‘leisure studies.’ Instead, I pose this simple question: What do you like to do when you have some leisure time? Well, this is with the assumption that you do have some leisure time for yourself that you spend doing the things you like; or, not doing anything at all, if that’s what you prefer.

Thus, we have this chasm dividing people who enjoy the luxury of ‘leisure’ and those who don’t. Let’s talk about the group that does enjoy the luxury of leisure first. Some prefer chatting on the Net—with people they know, don’t know, or even, don’t want to know. Others listen to music, watch a movie, or call up a friend. Some socially self-conscious people, on the other hand, cultivate hobbies that are creatively stimulating or are targeted at stimulating other people’s appreciation of their creative talents.

Now, for those who don’t enjoy the luxury of spending time the way they want to, by doing the things they want to but can’t at all times, it’s really sad. All they can do is mope about their leisureless states of being and feel jealous of the other half of mankind.

Needless to say, creative as we are, we find excuses to justify our states of leisurelessness. A common ploy is to show ourselves busier than we are, and in the process, ensure that we deprive ourselves of whatever little leisure we could have had.

Good question? What I do in my leisure time? Before I answer that, I must categorize myself into one of the two groups that I have divided mankind into (heights of oversimplification, don’t you think so?). Well, I’d say that it’s not that I don’t have time for leisure; but I don’t have a lot of it either. But when I do, I try to make the most out of it.