Caterina.net: Merry Gambols & Readymade

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« 22 minutes | Main | Laughing/Crying »

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{ Thursday, December 29, 2005 }

Merry Gambols & Readymade

We have only to watch young dogs to see that all the essentials of human play are present in their merry gambols. They invite one another to play by a certain ceremoniousness of attitude and gesture. They keep to the rule that you shall not bite, or not bite hard, your brother's ear. They pretend to get terribly angry. And-- what is most important--in all these doings they plainly experience tremendous fun and enjoyment. Such rompings of young dogs are only one of the simpler forms of animal play.

Here we have at once a very important point: even in its simplest forms on the animal level, play is more than a mere physiological phenomenon or a psychological reflex. It goes beyond the confines of purely physical or purely biological activity. It is a significant function--that is to say, there is some sense to it. In play there is something "at play" which transcends the immediate needs of life and imparts meaning to the action. All play means something.

-- Johann Huizinga, Homo Ludens

It was this quote that inspired us to call a hub in Game Neverending "Merry Gambols" and the book, Homo Ludens, was what inspired us to call the company "Ludicorp". Heather and Derek just gave us a Fetching Tag for Dos Pesos, and I'm asking them to put "Merry Gambols" on it.

Also, another great gift from Christmas this year: The Readymade book is now out. I gave a copy to my sister, a Readymade subscriber, and then was lucky enough to get one myself. Beautifully designed, and full of inspiring ideas.

LINK | 7:58 PM | TB

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{ COMMENTS }

Homo Ludens is one of my favorite books. I haven't read it in ages and you inspired me to immediately order a copy from Amazon.

frida | January 2, 2006 9:39 AM

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