Leisure Actions Can Turn Sour

I TAUGHT IT on the college level for twenty-seven years: "Leisure is neither good nor bad. What matters is what USE is made of it."


During free time an individual can do something good, wholesome, or constructive. On the other hand, a person can get involved in things that are bad, destructive, or even criminal. When we are free to do anything we please, a clear choice to act wisely needs to be made - and followed consistently.

To take a lackadaisical approach about how to use free time leaves one vulnerable. Just standing idly by can sometimes be foolish - or possibly even dangerous. Indecision can cause actions (or the lack thereof) to turn sour - or perhaps to produce tragic consequences.

Way too many people either drift into, or make conscious decisions, to do things which are detrimental or injurious to themselves or to others over whom they have influence. Often these actions involve the regular or excessive practice of bad habits. The use of illegal drugs is an example.

Even worse, far too many people become involved in acts against society. This can happen somewhat slowly over a period of time, or it can take place on the spur of the moment. For example, the bombing at the Boston Marathon.

In addition, large numbers of people haven't really learned how to use leisure in a positive manner. They are the ones who are easily bored, often attempting to escape from monotony, or in their own words, "just killing time." These are borderline individuals who more easily swing in a negative direction regarding the use of free time.

It is possible for individuals to make choices harmful to themselves - or to commit acts against society - while at work, or other mandatory situations. However, the vast majority do these things while their free: during leisure.

It isn't realistic to expect that every person will always make perfect choices regarding the use of their leisure. What we might hope for, however, is that most of us will decide to act as wisely as possible to keep our leisure actions from turning sour. If we don't, we put our own well-being - and our nation - at risk.