The Boy's Athletic League, inc., New York City, 1926-1951
Abstract
Since earliest times, recreation, like work, love and worship, has been a form of human activity, a fundamental and universal human need. In all stages of history, man has found outlets for self-expression and personal development in forms of recreation which are strikingly similar. Recreation is a common heritage of all peoples, although its expression takes various forms. Its contribution to human happiness, a fundamental and worthy objective for every individual, was recognized by the forefathers of the American nation. But one must remember that this happiness can seldom be attained by any one kind of activity. When it is sought solely as an end in itself it is most elusive, for happiness is essentially a by-product which can best be achieved in a balanced life, and recreation's rank in that balanced life, along with work and rest, love and worship, shows its importance to mankind. A moment of thought would show how utterly incomplete and drab life would be without it. Life would indeed be discouraging, disinteresting, and devoid of joy or satisfactions. Man, therefore, must have a change from the daily routine and he has found that the pursuit of happiness, love of adventure and desire for achievement are great motivating forces which are realized most fully in recreation.
Subject Area
Physical education|Recreation|Social work
Recommended Citation
Langenfeld, Nicholas J, "The Boy's Athletic League, inc., New York City, 1926-1951" (1952). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30509627.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30509627
