Book club : Homo Ludens - Johan Huizinga

Homo Ludens is a book written by Johan Huizinga. It is a foundational study of play as a basic element of human culture. Huizinga argues that play is not merely a pastime but a primary source of civilization itself, shaping law, war, poetry, ritual, art, and philosophy. The Dutch historian explores what makes play distinctive, including its voluntary nature, its separation from ordinary life, and its own rules, and traces the “play element” across many cultures and eras. Read the book (or don't) and come join us to discuss this topic!

Limited spots as we only have limited space in the tea garden, so please ensure you can make it before pressing that RSVP button.

Quote from the book:
The spirit of playful competition is, as a social impulse, older than culture itself and pervades all life like a veritable ferment. Ritual grew up in sacred play; poetry was born in play and nourished on play; music and dancing were pure play....We have to conclude, therefore, that civilization is, in its earliest phases, played. It does not come from play... it arises in and as play, and never leaves it.