The dull rounds of monotonous toil become deaden-
ing in their humdrum influence. One may become so
desperate as to be ready to resort even to crime to break
the monotony, if no other means is available. Even if
leisure is provided for rest and sleep, they alone are not
sufficient to restore the exhausted energies of one em-
ployed in the more deadening occupations. Such a per-
son can not come back to work with a wholesome feel-
ing, unless some form of recreation is provided.
One regularly employed even at a congenial occupa-
tion, will have many interests not sufficiently exercised in
his ordinary work. He will become conscious of the
need of satisfying these interests.
The brain cells corresponding to various developed in-



144 Psychology ^or Business Efficiency

terests should be stimulated to use up the accumulated
energy. In this way alone the capacity for supplying
energy can be kept in efficient working. Disuse results
in atrophy, or wasting away of capacity.
A disagreeable emotional tone arises from developed
interests which are denied wholesome stimulation and
satisfaction. A similar feeling results from interests so
stimulated that an undue amount of energy is used up.
An unpleasant emotional tone, arising from under or
over stimulated interests, spreads a disagreeable feeling
over vocational or avocational activities which otherwise
would have an agreeable tone. When work is monoton-
ous or disagreeable,the unpleasant feeling so aroused
may add to the dislike for it to such an extent as to make
it practically unbearable.
PLAY INSTINCT AND THE RECREATION INTEREST

Three factors are manifested in play activities. In
play surplus energy is used up. Instinctive ancestral ac-
tivities are rehearsed. The behavior of others is imi-
tated.
