In praise of (intermittent) degenerative behavior.
Why we need sleep
Consider a life of continual productivity is biologically impossible and also not desirable. Humans (biological creatures) are not machines, nor should we become machines.
In order to make our muscles stronger and bigger we need to spend time NOT working out that muscle in order to allow our body build up the muscles.
Similarly in life, our productivity will aid our rest, and our rest will aid our productivity. We need both, and neither rest nor productivity is superior. They’re both different sides of the same coin.
No guilt associated with unproductive behavior
Too much focus on productive behavior is aesthetically repulsive. It’s the protestant work ethic taken to the extreme.
The ancient Greeks saw toilsome labor as unfit for free men (only slaves and helots [serfs in Sparta] did that type of work).
The thought of nobility was to have abundant leisure to pursue artistic and philosophical aims and ends.
In praise of creative activity
I think some degenerative behaviors in limited doses is good. A weekend in Vegas or a week on a cruise are good for us! But I still think the ultimate aim is for us to focus on our creative output and thriving.
And it isn’t to force ourselves to create for the sake of it. It is about creating in a spirit of joy, thanksgiving and fun!
Conclusion
Create in order to have fun. Allow yourself plenty of rest and recovery.
The harder you work the harder you must sleep and rest!
Go hard (and soft) in life: the ultimate strategy for optimal suppleness and strength (the strength of bamboo–pliant yet strong).
ERIC