Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
September 3rd, 2009 by admin | Filed under sports.
Review An Interview with Dr. Stuart Brown, MD Q: How do you know play is important to both adults and children? Dr. Brown: In my career I have reviewed more than 6000 life histories, looking specifically at a person’s play experiences over his or her life. In studying these histories it has become vividly apparent that play is enormously significant for both children and adults. I began thinking about the role of play in our lives while conducting a detailed study of homicidal males in Texas. What I discovered was severe play deprivation in the lives of these murderers. When I later studied highly creative and successful individuals, there was a stark contrast. Highly successful people have a rich play life. It is a [Read More...]
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Need Christmas Gift Ideas for your kids. Last year, I got my daughter the Littlest Pet Shop Fitness Club and she loved it!
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Tags: Brain, Imagination, Invigorates, Opens, Play, Shapes, Soul
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This is one of the best books I have read recently. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!
I’ve always believed “play” is the key to a successful life. The successful people I know enjoy playing( including my husband who is “the Kinesthete”, “The Explorer”, “The Collector”, “The Artist/Creator”, and “The Storyteller” according to Dr. Brown’s play personality) even though they are busier than average Americans. On the other hand, the people who have rigid attitude towards “play” (they even make family members feel guilty about it!) are not as successful as above, even though they “earned highest grades at the best schools”. This contrast becomes even more prominent when we become middle age. People who enjoy playing are not only more successful, but also happier.
Dr. Brown explains why this “‘nonproductive activity can make one enormously more productive and invigorated in other aspects of life” with scientific evidence and full of interesting anecdotes. It will persuade you not to feel guilty pursuing your dream or enjoying your life because it will make you and your kids more successful and happier.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Play Is the Key To Learning, Creativity–Thank Goodness!
There were days at the middle school where I teach when I just wanted to fold paper with my students to see them interact with me and each other.
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my Top Ten reads this year
Stuart Brown’s “Play” is one of those books that I knew immediately I had to share with those I hold near and dear, most specifically the parents of my grandchildren.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Play - Critical for Innovation
I was so excited to see a book titled PLAY. I have learned that for one to be innovative, one must play. Play teaches us to be a fast thinker for creating new possibilities.
Brown & Vaughn have written an excellent book. While it is fairly light reading it provides plenty of references for the value of play for those who require the reinforcement of rigorous studies. It provided many good suggestions for those who want to integrate more play into their lives. It also showed how upset “serious” people can get about this foreign notion that play is good for you. So read it for yourself and don’t tell the “serious” people what you’re doing!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Evolutionary, Social & Existential Value of Play Explained
A clearly presented, detail rich book on evolutionary valence of play. Brown examines the issue from a variety of perspectives: neural plasticity, social norming, existential…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
Outstanding factual information on importance of play in our lives. We all need to play more towards improved intellectual capacity and societal skills.
I picked up this book because I felt I needed more “play” in my life. And I am glad that I did. Dr. Brown explains the importance of “play” in our lives; not just in our personal lives but also in our work lives. Dr. Brown has done extensive research and provides actual case stories which provide insights in living a successful and productive life. “Play” in our lives bring fulfillment and joy in being who we are and what we do. I recommend this book to anyone who is trapped in a life of all work and no play!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful, helpful, revealing
Stuart Brown takes the idea of play very seriously….and he should. Many people today find play as trivial, unimportant and childish.
5.0 out of 5 stars
a modern & current read
I am currently reading this book. It is a wonderful addition to other books on play. However, very different as this focuses on all types of play for adults & animals alike.
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent book!
I highly recommend this book to anyone!–especially anyone who teaches ( and in any field or at any level) and to all those busy adults out there who don’t take “play” seriously…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Book on Play
This book provides important insights, extensive experiences and new information like no other and gives any reader a greater appreciation and understanding of the essential value…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Play is the way!
In a culture gone mad with work and labor, Stuart Brown’s work stands out as a vital and refreshing antidote. Play is not a trivial matter for children and artists.