Roosevelt High School - Bwana Yearbook (St Louis, MO)

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BWEHH PLAY UST what man's purpose in this world is has always been a matter of discussion and dispute. Some have declared that he has no defi- nite objectg that man-humanity in general-is merely a moving, surging stream, which, at its best, may cut an impression in the solid rock of time, only to have it filled again by a change of course. Others, more optimistic, maintain that no person has lived in vain. that everyone has had his share, large or small, in bettering the course of humanity. To attempt to settle this controversy of the ages would obviously be absurd. But we can say this much with certainty: that anyone who has lived for himself a happy and healthful life, and has made humanity in the smallest degree happier for his existence, has accomplished a thing which might well be considered at least an important factor in his use to the world. ln order, however, to accomplish this end, four primary phases of exist- ence must be developed. The first is a moral standard by which to-guide our actions. The second is a satisfactory home life in the form of good relations with family and friends. The third is a form of work which gives us means of support and makes us of use to the community. The fourth is a reasonable degree of leisure, which offers us an opportunity for play or recreation in some form or another. Even a casual glance at these points serves to show us that all are impor- tant and that the absence of any one of the first three of these would make that existence incomplete, but that the omission of the last, an opportunity for and means of play, would throw the others entirely out of line. Therefore, since play is of so much importance to a full and useful life, let us consider it in every available light. To begin with, exactly what is play? Anything, any act or means, which produces a sensation of pleasure or joy may properly be classed as play. Hence we see the wide field included in this term. From the pleasure a child gets from shaking his rattle as he lies in his cradle, through the keen enjoy- ment a sportsman gets from watching a game of baseball, to the exquisite joy a lover of fine paintings obtains from merely gazing at a masterpiece, we find the spirit of play in operation. Considering the breadth of the subject, therefore, it is not surprising that many explanations have been offered to make clear the reason why we play. One faction of physiologists declares that we play only when there is an excess of energy-energy over and above the amount we ordinarily need-- which demands to be discharged. For this reason we are said to run and jump and enjoy a game of baseball or a swim, for such forms of play use up this store of energy. The second view is diametrically opposed to this one, since it regards play as an opportunity afforded for the relaxation and recreation of exhausted Six

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EWEHH powers: that is, as a means of restoring energy, rather than a means of using it up. ln support of this second theory, we find the fact that, although wearied by studying mathematics, perhaps, one may read a novel for a while, and then return to mathematics with a fresh vigor. ln this last case we easily perceive that there was no superabundant presence of energy, but that with a little relaxation, a little play with a simpler subject, energy to continue a more difficult one was obtained. So it seems that each theory is right until we call into practice the other. But to reconcile this, let us say that a combination of both would cover the different circumstances arising. In other words, both theories may act simultaneously, since acts supplying recreation to exhausted powers may at the same time call into play other powers and thus afford the need for discharging excess energy. The fact that play is an important factor in the health and happiness of the individual was recognized by the ancients, and they accordingly made pro- vision for its exercise. The most outstanding example of this provision was the Olympic games, which have been recently revived because of their recrea- tional value. The folk dance, the social dance, and the singing games are more recent expressions of the predominance of the spirit of play. Carnivals and fetes, with their joyous, carefree fun, are further evidences of the necessity of throw- ing off cares and solemn thoughts and indulging in a period of pure enjoyment. Reading, also, though less active than the forms of play previously mentioned, and all forms of sports, whose appreciation is clearly shown by the high sala- ries of baseball players, both serve to make man happier and better fit for the keen struggle for existence. The city, too, has made its provision for play by establishing an elaborate system of parks, playgrounds, community centers and swimming pools. Even pedagogy, important and arbitrary as it is, has, since the time of Plato, recognized the necessity of play and is at this present time increasing facilities for recreation, realizing that the harder a child plays, the better fit he is to cope with the difficult problems of mastering an education. So we find, in conclusion, that play, besides making man healthier and happier, takes his thoughts away from the seriousness of life and therefore gives him a sense of freedom which he would not otherwise have obtained, and, in short, as the strings of a zither and the cord of a bow should not always be taut if the instrument is to retain its usefulness, so do men need the relaxation of play. CATHERYN MAHNE. J A Milli' a 1 .. Seven