A Cure for Existential Boredom

True Leisure

Kevin Hood Gary explains that while amusement offers temporary relief from boredom, it fails to address existential boredom. He argues that true leisure, as understood by Aristotle, involves sustained attention and appreciating the intrinsic value of activities 1. This form of leisure is not about passive consumption but engaging with the world in a meaningful way.

Leisure is the purpose of work and amusement. He holds it as the ultimate telos of a human being.

--- Kevin Hood Gary

Gary also highlights that leisure can be found in ordinary activities like walking in the woods or playing a sport, provided they are approached with the right mindset 2.

   

Modern Amusement

Modern amusements often masquerade as leisure but fail to engage our agency, leading to increased existential boredom. Kevin Hood Gary uses David Foster Wallace's essay on cruises to illustrate how passive consumption of amusement can leave us feeling more bored 3. True leisure, in contrast, requires active engagement and the exercise of our agency.

The telos, or the end of amusement, is to be anesthetized, comfortable, numbing.

--- Kevin Hood Gary

Gary emphasizes that while amusement is a break from work, it should not be mistaken for the enriching experience of leisure 3.

   

Daily Integration

Integrating leisure into daily life involves adopting focal practices that require sustained attention and offer intrinsic rewards. Kevin Hood Gary suggests activities like cooking, birding, or building, which may seem mundane but can be deeply fulfilling 4. These practices help develop a leisurely outlook on life.

You have to confer a certain degree of trust, which is what an apprentice does.

--- Kevin Hood Gary

Gary also discusses the importance of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic goods, emphasizing that true leisure focuses on the former 5.

   

Solitude and Study

Embracing solitude and study are crucial for cultivating a leisurely life. Kevin Hood Gary shares his experience of spending days in solitude, which helped him recognize the distractions of modern life 6. He argues that true solitude means being completely unconnected, allowing for deeper reflection and engagement.

Solitude is a valuable resource and underutilized resource.

--- Kevin Hood Gary

Gary also differentiates between curiosity and study, advocating for focused attention to truly benefit from leisurely activities 6.