Matthew Bliton
632 Kedzie Street
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 719-1014
The Editor
The New York Times Book Review
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY, 10018
To the Editor,
As I read Richard A. Posner’s review, “Working 9 to 12,” (Aug. 19), I was concerned about some of his assertions and conclusions. Mr. Posner dismisses the Skidelskys’ proposal in “How Much Is Enough?”that we would spend more time on interests and activities “without extrinsic end” if we were able to spent less time at work. Mr. Posner claims that what we might think of as intrinsic interests are ruled by the desire for recognition. He also states that it is “ridiculous to think” that we would seek and find meaningful pursuits if only we had more time away from work to use at our discretion.
When my children left home for college, I had some discretionary time on my hands. According to Mr. Posner, one in such a position would be inclined to consume more expensive forms of entertainment and leisure, and then need to make more money to afford them. Conversely, I embarked on a musical project, joined a songwriting group and began to perform more often. I also started to write a novel and to participate in writing groups. While Mr. Posner may question my motives, the time I spend with like-minded folks in these groups is free and frequently the high-point of my week.
Friends and colleagues who have retired are not asking themselves “What shall I do with my new leisure?” Rather, they wonder how they had time to work before they retired. As a public school employee, I often have time away from work during the summer (when I wonder how I have time to work during the school year) which gives me extra work for the writing and music projects, and some volunteer work as well. I also have more time for another leisure activity that typically has no extrinsic reward, reading.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bliton
Middle School Counselor
Middle-aged Hobbyist
East Lansing, MI