Leisure (redirected from Doing nothing)

Leisure 

the portion of time not devoted to work that is left to the individual after he has performed essential nonproductive duties (going to and from work, sleeping, eating, and other forms of domestic self-service). The activity belonging to leisure may be conventionally divided into several interconnected groups. The first includes study and self-education in the broad sense of the word—that is, various forms of individual and group assimilation of culture, such as attending public performances, visiting museums, reading books and periodicals, listening to the radio, and watching television. Another rapidly developing group of leisure activities consists of amateur and public activity, including amateur studies and interests (hobbies), physical culture and sports, and tourism and excursions. Contact with other people occupies an important place in leisure and may involve lessons and games with children and meetings with friends (at home, in cafes, and at parties). A portion of leisure time is spent in passive rest. Socialist society struggles to exclude from leisure various phenomena of the so-called anticulture, such as alcoholism and antisocial behavior.

Marx considered free time a basic criterion of the wealth of communist society (K. Marx and F. Engels, Soch., 2nd ed., vol. 46, part 2, p. 217), because it is a prerequisite for the comprehensive development of the personality. As the workweek becomes shorter and public catering establishments and public amenities develop and improve, leisure time increases. The growth and enrichment of leisure are accompanied by changes in its content, and there is a redistribution of the relative importance of its basic functions. To an ever-increasing degree, the sensible use of leisure restores the energy expended by an individual in productive activity and the performance of essential duties and contributes to his cultural and physical development. In the context of the scientific and technological revolution in socialist society, this restorative function of leisure acquires ever-increasing importance. By ensuring the continuing satisfaction of the physical and cultural needs of each individual, it promotes an increase in productivity at work, easier and more rapid assimilation of new professions, and full participation in the life of society.

In the process of the transition to communist society, greater attention is being devoted to the study and judicious organization of leisure.

REFERENCE

Grushin, B. A. Svobodnoe vremia: Aktual’nye problemy. Moscow, 1967.

E. M. MIRSKII