📘 Part 3: Leisure

This episode's vocabulary

Chore (noun) - a job or piece of work that is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly.

Convenience (noun) - a device or machine, usually in the house, that operates quickly and needs little effort.

Automation (noun) - the use of machines and computers that can operate without needing human control.

Complexity (noun) - the state of having many parts and being difficult to understand or find an answer to.

Permissible (adj.) - allowed.

To diversify (verb) - to start to include more different types or things.

Run-of-the-mill (idiom) - ordinary and not special or exciting in any way.

In a nutshell (idiom) - very briefly, giving only the main points.

Scope (noun) - the range of a subject covered by a book, programme, discussion, class, etc.

Niche (adj.) - interesting to, aimed at, or affecting only a small number of people.

Globalization (noun) - a situation in which available goods and services, or social and cultural influences, gradually become similar in all parts of the world.

Time off (noun) - a period of time when you do not work because of illness or holidays, or because your employer has given you permission to do something else.

Cooperative (adj.) - willing to help or do what people ask.

To poke someone in the right direction - to encourage someone.

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Questions and Answers

M: Rory, let's talk about leisure in general. Who has more leisure time men or women?

R: I have absolutely no idea. I don't even know how you would begin to calculate that. You'd need to think about I don't know how people spend their time on work and doing chores. My guess would be they're roughly the same.

M: Do people have more free time now than in the past?

R: That's a good question. So I suppose the obvious answer is yes. But well, because of all the modern conveniences we have like white goods, the internet and automation. On the other hand, sort of increasing complexity of life has led to work intruding into our homes, still, we at least have more choice, if not more time.

M: What's the difference in the way people spend their free time now and 20 or 30 years ago?

R: Well, people still largely do what they want within the scope of what's available and permissible. In terms of change, I think they've diversified a lot, since you can do a great deal more like gliding or other extreme sports. And then you can read, which is always rather run of the mill, or sorry, which was always rather run of the mill. But you have a greater selection of material to choose from. So in a nutshell, we probably have more choices than ever, I guess.

M: What do people in your country do in their spare time?

R: Well, like I said, whatever they want in the scope of what's possible for them. I think shared interests include sports clubs, and going out. But there are other things, like I recently found out we have a Russian speakers club. So there are some very niche interests out there and lots of diversity.

M: But do you think these activities are quite the same all over the world?

R: Well, now yes. Because of, well, the phenomenon of globalization.

M: Is leisure time important for everyone?

R: I would say so, though, probably, to varying extents. I mean, if you're someone like me, then my work and my hobbies are essentially one in the same. So I could do it less, despite what my other half says. Still, I like having time off. And I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't need to recharge their batteries from time to time. There are people that claim this, but they're usually the first people who should be taking more regular breaks.

M: What types of outdoor activities are popular in your country?

R: I'm not sure how on earth I'm supposed to know that. But if I were to guess I would say sports and walking, or some variation or combination of the two. We have a lot of mountain ranges. So mountaineering and hiking are likely top picks, but I'm not really an expert about this.

M: Do people have time for themselves nowadays?

R: Well, I would say so given all the advantages we have in terms of knowledge and technology and awareness. However, whether people are taking that time for themselves or using it well is another matter entirely.

M: What kinds of people are easy to get along with?

R: Well, the obvious answer is to say kind and cooperative people. But if we dig deeper, it might be better to say people who compliment and challenge us in appropriate ways. So by that, I mean people who encourage us to be our best selves, and not by just agreeing with whatever we say. But by holding us to our like stated values and poking us in the right direction. Those people make for the best friends.

M: How do leaders get along with their subordinates?

R: Well, I often wonder if they do I mean, surely the point of being a leader is to lead and not to be liked, but they still have to get things done. So having a shared vision of how things should be in the goal they're working towards would be a good start. I'd imagine paying people a lot and treating them like human beings with their own thoughts and feelings also helps.

M: Thank you Rory for your lovely answers!

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