Leisure Has a Value in Its Own Sight

Leisure has a worth of its own which cannot be supplied by work. Some of the most valuable contributions to civilization have originated in moments of leisure, not in time of routine work.

According to the folklore of science, Newton discovered the principle of gravity while sit-ting relaxed in an orchard. James Watt discovered the motive power of steam while idly looking at a kettle on the fire. Archimedes discovered, while enjoying a leisurely bath, how the displacement of water could be used to determine the specific gravity of metals.

If these great inventors had had a narrow view of work, they would have benefited society

far less. If they had spent their time churning out articles instead of taking reasonable relaxation, their offerings would have been mediocre. In general we can say that leisure time is the time in which originality comes into its own. It is a time for experiment, for thinking new thoughts thoughts which other people never had before. It is a time when we can make a really personal contribution to society. It is a time when we infuse quality into our work.