However, in essence he identifies four characteristics of play and relates them to the development of culture and civilization: (1) (2) Freedom. Whereas much leisure performs a cultural function by fulfilling ritual obligations or duties, play follows the dictate of voluntary enjoyment. While many play-elements have been co-opted by leisure to... See more

This is the need of play. In his classic study of play the great Dutch historian Johan Huizinga (1947) argued that culture is sub specie ludi, that is, play precedes culture. For Huizinga it must therefore be recognized as the true first premise of human existence. In his view, ritual, poetry, music, dancing, battle knowledge, wisdom and philosophy... See more