History of Leisure in the History of Human Thought

Author: Gudeer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-08-01
Features: This is a highly thought-provoking book that explores the evolution and value of leisure in human intellectual history through an examination of its emergence in ancient Western city-states like Athens and its development in the modern era. It touches upon various disciplines such as philosophy, religion, theology, culture, science, and economics. The author proposes the question of "exploring and reflecting on the standards of measuring human progress and the true purpose of human existence." To seek this answer, the author first examines the origins of the leisure ideal, outlines the ancestors of the Puritans, the rise of science, the birth of the economic man, and the emergence of industrial capitalism. Additionally, the author criticizes the contemporary obsession with material desires and the ruthless exploitation of nature, pointing out the decline of human morality and the dilemma of reason. Based on extensive historical evidence, the author provides an in-depth yet accessible analysis of the value of leisure in the history of human intellectual development, revealing what constitutes human higher-level needs and helping us understand what standards truly measure human progress.