"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
We don't know much about Jack, or his feelings regarding play. However, we do know a great deal about St. Francis de Sales and his observations regarding the need for recreation.
"From time to time one must
recreate and relax
in mind and body."
(In III 31)
It is actually a defect to be so strict, austere
and unsociable that one permits neither oneself
nor others any recreation time."
(In III 31)
"To take the air, to go for a stroll, to enjoy a friendly chat,
to play music, or sing or hunt...are such honest
diversions that the only thing needed to utilize them
well is simple prudence, which gives
to all things their rank, time, place and measure."
(In III 31)
"Games in which winning results from
bodily or mental dexterity or activity...
provide good relaxation and are
perfectly justified."
(In III 31)
"If you spend too much time on games
They are no longer recreations but occupations."
(In III 31)
"If your love for a game is disproportionate
or the stakes played for are too high,
passions get mixed with it, and emotions get out of control."
(In III 31)
"The story goes that a hunter happened upon
St. John the Evangelist
holding and caressing a partridge. The hunter expressed
astonishment that one with so eminent a mind
would waste time on so insignificant a thing.
St. John answered him by posing a question:
"Why is your bow not always taut?" "For fear," replied the hunter,
"that is remaining taut like that, it would have no force at all
when I needed to use it." "So, then do not be surprised,"
said the Apostle, "if I rest my mind from time to time.
It will be more dedicated to reflection as a result."
(In III 31)
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