Can We Accept Leisure?

"Secret Texts" by Tim Holmes;, book, bronze, silver, tar, oil; 18 x 21in.

If you could choose right now to start living the Good Life, would you? As a fervent believer in a world of extravagant abundance, I believe most of us could quit our jobs right now and spend the rest of our lives doing what makes us feel fulfilled. But most of us can think of reasons why we must keep making more money at nearly all costs. What if that idea itself were our slave-master? Would we rebel and run for freedom if we could? A new article about leisure asks just such poignant questions. The authors point out the dangers of a "neutral" state that allows those with the capital to manipulate everyone else to their own ends; where the wealthy move on from self-aggrandizement to outright cruelty as a mode of self-expression. Sound familiar? The blind pursuit of money makes such dangers almost inevitable. I worry that we've become bound to an unattainable (crazy) idea of mindless growth where leisure becomes nearly impossible.

There is another possibility! Basic Income is one of the most brilliant concepts of our time– that there is now enough material in the world for everyone to be given basic survival needs by the state, so that every person could spend their time applying their talents in whatever way they wish. This idea has been gaining ground, especially in Europe. But one surprising question arises: would we quit mandatory "work" even if we felt we could? Or are we somehow brainwashed that our personal value rests in machine-like production and that we don't deserve leisure?

As a successful early retiree, I struggle with this (joyfully!) One thing a life of constant work provides is an underlying sense of meaning ("I have to work or I would starve"). If that were removed we'd have to justify ourselves with new meaning! This is where I am, trying to legitimize myself outside of "work" (making money). I imagine new possibilities and make art but is that enough? Am I worth this leisure? This is the ultimate, most meaningful question.

I hope the developing world can avoid taking the path of the "first" world of endless consumption in place of a life of true pleasure. We in the west have always been slaves of the god of "economic growth" but I'm struggling to believe that I deserve a better life– one of meaning and beauty. Do you ?