First (Second) Friday Discussion - Hobbies & Curiosity

This month we'll discuss hobbies and curiosity.

As usual, we'll socialize for about an hour before the discussion starts at the local spacetime of 8:30pm.

I encourage everyone to bring something yummy to share!

Thoughts:

In a capitalistic society, we often feel guilty if our hobbies aren't "productive" or monetized. Question: Is a hobby only valuable if it produces a result (a painting, a garden, a fitness goal), or is the value entirely in the doing? Does "turning a hobby into a side hustle" destroy its philosophical essence?

• The "Side Hustle" Trap: "A hobby is only truly 'restful' if it is economically useless. Once a hobbyist begins selling their work or monetizing their craft, the activity ceases to be a hobby and becomes labor, regardless of how much they enjoy it."

Question: Has our modern obsession with "expert status" ruined the joy of being "bad" at something? Is there a specific type of wisdom that only an amateur can possess?

• The Amateur's Liberty: "The expert is a prisoner of their own knowledge, bound by 'the right way' to do things. The amateur is the only one truly free to innovate because they are not afraid of 'doing it wrong.' Discuss: Is the amateur's perspective more valuable than the expert's?"
• The Participation Trophy: "The modern 'joy of being bad' is actually a cope for a lack of discipline. We should strive for excellence in our hobbies; to intentionally remain an amateur is to disrespect the potential of the craft."
• Cognitive Humility: "The most important philosophical benefit of a hobby is the 'Beginner’s Mind.' If you aren't regularly doing something you are bad at, your ego becomes rigid and your ability to learn new things atrophies."

Philosophers like Heidegger distinguished between "curiosity" (a restless desire for the new) and "wonder" (a deep, still appreciation of what is).

• The Question: Does modern curiosity—fueled by endless scrolling and "fun facts"—actually destroy our ability to experience true wonder? Is curiosity just a superficial version of awe?

Can we be "greedy" with knowledge just as we are with money?

• The Question: Is there a point where seeking knowledge becomes a vice—a way to collect "intellectual trophies" to feel superior—rather than a virtuous pursuit of truth?