The death of hobbies
Graphic by Claire Revier
“What are your hobbies?”
What once was a straightforward question – is now a puzzling one.
Engaging in fun, curiosity and exploration, once a simple part of human existence, is now secondary to the demands of work, achievement and validation.
In a performative and capitalist society where productivity reigns supreme and side hustles come by the wayside, hobbies are quietly wilting into obscurity. It's difficult to pinpoint when this shift arose and even harder to recall the last time you did something purely for enjoyment, rather than for performance, monetization or financial gain.
The idea of pursuing an activity purely for pleasure, without any tangible outcome or financial gain, feels almost rebellious. In a world that demands continuous output and measurable success, hobbies once a haven for passion, relaxation and self-expression are now viewed as insignificant, luxurious and unattainable.
As leisure time shrinks and the pressure to be perpetually productive intensifies, the death of hobbies isn't just about losing pastimes, it’s about losing a foundational piece of our humanity.
The truth is, in a society that praises achievement over fulfillment, our little joys and simple pleasures are fading, and so is that piece of us. Our lives have become spectacles, carefully curated narratives to impress, influence, and be consumed by others.
Our authenticity is concealed for the sake of approval, but for what? If we become performers in our own lives, then who will be left to live them?
Is the art of pure enjoyment lost? Maybe not.
In the realm of maintaining and resurrecting hobbies, there's light at the end of the tunnel if we're willing to work for it. Reclaiming our hobbies enables us to reconnect with what we love and perhaps once lost. Hobbies offer a chance to unwind, enrich our minds, be curious and just enjoy.
Consider these brief suggestions that have helped me enjoy things more!
Don't overthink what you enjoy.
Embrace mistakes: Hobbies aren't a skill, so refrain from treating them that way.
When you start, start small: Engage with the activity because it feels good in the moment.
Be present and focus on nurturing your passion without expectations.
Make time for enjoyment in the way you make time for everything else.
Reward yourself for enjoying yourself.
Do something you want. Something you did as a kid or something you've always wanted to try. Don't document it, don't post it, don't profit from it, don't perfect it and maybe don't even talk about it.
Just enjoy it.
Maybe, by daring to adopt imperfection and reclaiming joy for its own sake, we can rediscover the space to live—not as performers on a stage, but as beings savoring the beauty of the unintentional moment.