It IS a subject that has been mentioned frequently on ET in the context of the extent to which Neo-Classical Economic policies since 1980 have succeeded in returning the USA to wealth demographics last seen in the '20s and the baleful effects that has had on our politics and economics.  What struck me was the previous absence of that factor in this discussion of the decline of leisure.

The thought arose after I viewed the video of the Google lecture by Dr. David Levy, particularly the distinction between ratio and intellectus as described by Pieper and the extent to which contemporary society has tilted the field towards ratio. It recalled to mind grade school teachers strictures about "daydreaming" and about the enforcement of similar views in the workplace, especially on lower ranking workers by production managers.  I was an engineer and could always claim to be "thinking", which was what I was paid to do, even if I was often not thinking about work related issues.

"I've always been a dreamer," as the song says.  In my youth I discovered how answers could come to mind when I was in the appropriate "mood."  I just didn't know that I was being "intellectual."  Had I not found employment in areas which allowed and even required access to this mental state my life would have been far more miserable than it has been.  Others have not been so lucky.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."