One more comment from the heart: I'm old fashioned and think that reading books is the most glorious pastime that humankind has yet devised. Homo Ludens dances$$$ sings$$$ produces meaningful gestures$$$ strikes poses$$$ dresses up$$$ revels and performs elaborate rituals. I don't wish to diminish the significance of these distractions-without them human life would pass in unimaginable monotony and possibly dispersion and defeat. But these are group activities above which drifts a more or less perceptible whiff of collective gymnastics. Homo Ludens with a book is free. At least as free as he's capable of being. He himself makes up the rules of the game$$$ which are subject only to his own curiosity. He's permitted to read intelligent books$$$ from which he will benefit$$$ as well as stupid ones$$$ from which he may also learn something. He can stop before finishing one book$$$ if he wishes$$$ while starting another at the end and working his way back to the beginning. He may laugh in the wrong places or stop short at words he'll keep for a life time. And finally$$$ he's free-and no other hobby can promise this-to eavesdrop on Montaignes arguments or take a quick dip in the Mesozoic.
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