Do your hobbies make you a better person?
This question was posed to my Intro to Ethics class over ten years ago during my first semester of college. At the time my primary hobbies were overthinking things and white knuckling through my crippling social anxiety. So I mean, no? maybe? yes? Over the many years since this question was posed, I have pondered the purpose of our hobbies. I do believe since we’re only given a undetermined and limited time to live, it would be ideal to spend it on activities that we enjoy and make ourselves better people. I don’t oppose the idea of having hobbies that one simply enjoys doing (looking at you Animal Crossing), but there is something to be said for that sweet spot that combines both. My verdict on the question posed: I’d like them to. But you may be wondering, why are we here?
My one enduring lifelong hobby has been reading. I competed in Battle of the Books competitions in grade school, finished all the YA literature in the local library before high school, and after my college hiatus returned full force to reading. It’s safe to say I’ve always enjoyed reading for the personal benefit of providing me a safe place to explore both this world and many others. But does reading help me develop as a person? The science points to higher levels of empathy, increased levels of life satisfaction and resiliency, and various other benefits. Personally, the perspective given to me by reading has been extremely grounding during this tumultuous and challenging year.
I picked up How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi in January of 2020 aftering seeing its eye catching cover displayed at a local bookshop the previous fall. I devoured the book and Kendi’s unique way of mixing personal and empirical narrative. My day job is to prepare my local public health department for accreditation (a.k.a align our workflows with best practices). I realize that doesn’t sound particularly engaging but I love it. It means pushing our wonderful team to do better for all members of our community but especially those disadvantaged by racism and other forms of discrimination.
I didn’t realize at the time how much I was going to lean on Kendi’s insights over the year, especially after George Floyd was killed on May 25th in Minneapolis while being arrested for using a counterfeit bill. It was never enough to simply not be racist, it’s essential to be actively antiracist. It’s not enough to read the books, it’s essential to take action. This stream of thought lead me here, to this blog. Do I want my hobbies to make me a better person? Yes, and in today’s world I need them to.
I guess all of this is to say, I’ll be doing something new this year. I’m going to be documenting what I’ve read, what I think about it, and what actions I’m going to take as a result.
Cheers to 2021! Cheers to making another year count!