people do not know what leisure really is, or might become. Leisure today is thought of as a mere interlude in the productive process, a moment to unwind or recharge before the next bout of work. Indeed, a good deal of modern leisure is indistinguishable from work. We play squash in order to stay fit, party in order to network, invest quality time in our children in order to keep them sweet. No wonder a life of leisure fills us with dread.How can we recover genuine leisure? A first step would be to recall the original meaning of the term. Leisure in the ancient world – 'schole' in Greek, 'otium' in Latin – was not just time off work but a distinct form of activity in its own right.It was what was done freely, for its own sake, rather than for the sake of something else.
GONZALO: All things in common nature should produceWithout sweat or endeavour: treason, felony,Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,Would I not have; but nature should bring forth,Of its own kind, all foison, all abundance,To feed my innocent people.SEBASTIAN: No marrying 'mong his subjects?ANTONIO: None, man; all idle: whores and knaves.
