Leisure (The Basis of Culture)

Author: (American) (German) Piper, translated by Liu Senyao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The more I reread Piper's book, the more I realize it is indeed a wise book filled with profound insights. With concise and eloquent prose, he points out the life lessons we have long overlooked: how to pursue and make good use of leisure, while also cultivating the habit of simple philosophical reflection. He tells us how to experience the real moments of life through leisure in daily life. We don't have to be philosophers; as long as we master leisure, we can sense the truth of life: continuously experiencing the feeling of wonder, then embracing hope, and continuing to explore forward, directly toward the ultimate essence of philosophy—insight and wisdom. In Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Piper cites numerous references—from Plato and Aristotle of the Greek era to Thomas Aquinas of the Middle Ages. In his view, leisure is a gift highly cherished by the ancients and the foundation and root of culture. Leisure is a state of tranquility; leisure is the ability to contemplate; leisure is also a "gift" bestowed upon humanity by God. Of course, the third point is raised based on the author's identity as a Catholic theologian. The more I reread Piper's book, the more I realize it is indeed a wise book filled with profound insights. With concise and eloquent prose, he points out the life lessons we have long overlooked: how to pursue and make good use of leisure, while also cultivating the habit of simple philosophical reflection. He tells us how to experience the real moments of life through leisure in daily life. We don't have to be philosophers; as long as we master leisure, we can sense the truth of life: continuously experiencing the feeling of wonder, then embracing hope, and continuing to explore forward, directly toward the ultimate essence of philosophy—insight and wisdom. In Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Piper cites numerous references—from Plato and Aristotle of the Greek era to Thomas Aquinas of the Middle Ages. In his view, leisure is a gift highly cherished by the ancients and the foundation and root of culture. Leisure is a state of tranquility; leisure is the ability to contemplate; leisure is also a "gift" bestowed upon humanity by God. Of course, the third point is raised based on the author's identity as a Catholic theologian.