We often think of seriousness and playfulness as opposing forces. One is associated with responsibility, the other with frivolity. But what if these two seemingly disparate concepts were actually intertwined, each enriching the other? Dr. Joost Vervoort, an Associate Professor of Transformative Imagination at Utrecht University, proposes a compelling argument: deep seriousness and deep playfulness are not opposites, but closely related paths to engaging with the world.
Dr. Vervoort suggests a new way of visualizing seriousness and playfulness. Instead of seeing them as ends of a spectrum, imagine them as points on a circle, both leading to a deeper understanding of life. The opposite of both, is a "sleepwalking zombie existence,” where we go through the motions without truly engaging.
What does it mean to be deeply serious? It's more than just a somber demeanor. It involves earnestly grappling with the world around us, acknowledging its complexities and mysteries. Deep seriousness encompasses:
As the Zen saying goes, "Great is the matter of birth and death. Everything is impermanent, passing quickly. Be awake in every moment.” This encapsulates the essence of deep seriousness – a mindful awareness of the profound nature of life.
Playfulness is often dismissed as trivial or unproductive. However, deep playfulness can be a powerful tool for change and innovation and can help in sparking the imagination needed for new societal alternatives. It allows us to:
The danger lies in superficial engagement – being serious or playful without depth. This "sleepwalking" state involves:
The true potential lies in merging deep seriousness and deep playfulness. Games, in particular, offer a unique platform for this fusion. Consider these examples:
These games demonstrate how serious themes can be explored through playful mechanics, creating engaging and thought-provoking experiences. The climate court game project mentioned, aims to bring intense seriousness and intense playfulness together at all levels.
Deep seriousness and deep playfulness may seem like contradictory concepts, but they are, in fact, complementary. By embracing both, we can unlock a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Are you looking for a more fulfilling life? Strive to be both more serious and more playful. It’s time to break free from zombification and connect with the depths of life. This reframing of playfulness and seriousness is a valuable way to engage with societal problems.
Consider this a challenge to rethink the design of interventions, experiences, and processes, particularly in gaming. Explore how games handle deep empathy for human suffering and audacious humor.
This blog post introduces a powerful idea, encouraging further exploration and discussion. What are your thoughts on this reframing of playfulness and seriousness? How does it apply to your own life and projects? Share your insights and let's continue this conversation! Learn more about the Anticiplay project here. Follow them on Twitter.
