The chapter 'Fields of Play' in Postrel's book looks at a subject familiar to many motivational talks which reposition work as play. That is not how she talks about it. She is talking of the importance of having a 'playful' spirit when approaching serious topics. Of knowing the rules really well, but then knowing where to test/break them. Of bringing together different fields of thought or activity and trying out new combinations. What Seth Godin calls being a heretic.
I am conscious though of the romance of this all. And though a romantic at heart, a few well directed kicks to the head and stomach have made me a little more cynical.
I agree and like the idea of playfulness and experimentation in learning. Children learn through play, and adults are normally really good at something when they really enjoy it... i.e. when they are still learning and they are still playing. But... it does also take hard work. It does also take sucking up some of the tough stuff in the beginning, and putting the hours in in order to play later. Few people get to wake up every day and do only the things they love doing all the time.
At some stage we all have to 'eat our vegetables'. Sometimes, you start enjoying the veggies. Sometimes, you just eat them so you can have your pudding.
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