Words from Others on this Topic

The incidence of play is not associated with any particular stage of civilization or view of the universe. Any thinking person can see at a glance that play is a thing on its own, even if his language possesses no general concept to express it. Play cannot be denied. You can deny, if you like, nearly all abstractions: justice, beauty, truth, goodness, mind, God. You can deny seriousness, but not play.

Johan Huizinga, 1938, from the book Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture

That exploratory, expansive drive is what separates delight from demand: when we are in play mode, we are open to new surprises, while our base appetites focus the mind on the urgent needs of staying alive. Understanding that distinction is critical to understanding why play – despite its seemingly frivolous veneer – has led to so many important discoveries and innovations. The question of why the Home sapiens brain possesses this strange hankering for play and surprise is a fascinating one….

Steven Johnson, 2016, from the book Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World

Relevant Reference Models

Playful Exploration

• An element of Needs Hierarchy