The Universality of Play

Gutsmuths.—Many of the ideas in PHome are better expressed, though independently arrived at, in the remarkable volume on play, published by Gutsmuths, ‘the father of play in Germany,’ towards the end of the eighteenth century. Gutsmuths recognised the universality of play among all ages and all peoples, the infinite number of games and the skill exhibited by the race in their invention and manipulation, the health-giving quality of play and its ultimate origin (though fatigue and ennui served it for occasion) in the natural impulse of activity. According to Gutsmuths (259, p. 2): ‘In play strictly so understood, the player has no other object than the satisfaction of the free operation of his activity.’ Here he draws some of his inspiration from Schiller, for he refers to Die Horen, a periodical to which the latter contributed. He also cites from Wieland, wil bout giving (exact reference, the following passage (259, p. 5): ‘ Play is the first and only occupation (Beschaftigang) of our childhood, and remains the pleasantest our whole life long. 'I'o toil like a beast of burden is the sad lot of the lowest, tlie most unfortunate and the most numerous class of mortals, but this is contrary to the intent and wish of Nature, The finest arts of the Muses tire plays, and (as Pindar sings) without the modest Graces even the gods begin neither festival nor dance. Take away from life what is the enforced service of iron necessity, and what is all that is left but play? Artists play with Nature, poets with their imagination, philosophers with their ideas, the fair sex with our hearts, and kings, alas ! with our heads!'