As I finalized Superbowl plans with friends Sunday afternoon, I was surprised to discover that I was not the only one who had failed to do school work during the snow break of now six days.
I cannot deny that my first reaction was frustration at our lack of focus and the huge waste of time. I could have been so far ahead in all of my classes if I had just been more adamant about making good use of the unexpected break.
However, this initial exasperation at my now nearly professional procrastinating abilities, soon gave way to a more profound reflection.
While I had not accomplished much on my academic to-do list, I did spend quality time with both family and friends, enjoying unusual weather for Dallas, watching thought-provoking films and considering topics that while not on my syllabi, are arguably equally or more important for a fulfilled and balanced life.
Taking the time to watch good films, read for pleasure, peruse newspapers, have intellectual (and not so intellectual) conversations with friends, enjoy long meals, play in the snow are simple pleasures that counter a culture which places value on the rat race for professional success.
In another time period, Plato articulated his belief that the “great men,” the leaders of a society, were those who had the ability to be leisurely. His logic was that only with free time can one ponder the truly important life questions. To be able to make decisions about the “good life,” one cannot be wholly encompassed by meticulous, day-to-day, quotidien activities.
While I am not advocating neglecting these duties, Plato may have had a point.
The value in leisure is entirely under-rated in our society. To take a moment to breathe, to think, to reflect has negligible value today. Yet, how else is one to understand oneself or the world that surrounds us? How else is one to make determinations about where one is and where one is going?
Specifically as university students, we have the capability to make this time. Along with our substantive course material, the friendships made, the different perspectives considered and the conversations we had will broaden the lens through which we view the world.
This too enriches our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Perhaps there is something to this idea of changing of pace. While the daily activities in which we engage are significant, I am certain that the pursuit of leisure is also well worth our time.
Adriana Martinez is a political science, public policy, French and history major. She can be reached for comments or questions at [email protected].
