Creativity is intelligence at play
Treasure Hunts and the Joy of Presence
Gracious Reader,
lately, I’ve been reflecting on an insight often attributed to Albert Einstein:
Creativity is intelligence at play.
Last week, we explored the magic of whimsy—the importance of play, of embracing moments of quiet rebellion against the relentless cult of efficiency.
Tell me: How will you play this week?
Here’s how I’m embracing play.
For the past two years, we’ve been on a treasure hunt—collecting pieces of history, beauty, and character for our home. These treasures have waited patiently in storage, biding their time as we’ve worked to resurrect our house after the devastating flood. Designing a home is like assembling a grand puzzle, and at last, we’re in the final stages. Soon, we’ll step back and savor the space we’ve painstakingly pieced together.
Play is harder than it looks.
When I sit down to do a play-filled activity with my children, I find myself easily distracted by thoughts of all the things I should be doing instead.
I have to email that person back.
I should clean up the kitchen.
I must prepare for that meeting.
Even as I write this, my kids are playing, and I’m not as present with them as I’d like to be.
Half a dozen times yesterday, my son asked me: “Can we color together now, mama?”
Somehow, more important things took me away from sitting and coloring with him. There is a never-ending list of more “productive” tasks I feel I should be doing instead of playing and being present with my children.
But lately, when the thoughts of what I should be doing begin to creep in, detracting from my full and undivided presence with my children, I’ve been pushing back.
Is that really something I have to / should / must do?
I’ve been rejecting the endless self-imposed obligations that seem to bubble up and rob me of my ability just to be.
It’s caused me to re-evaluate everything I do. Am I adding something to my calendar simply to prove my efficiency? To chase some artificial gold star? Or does this task truly nourish my soul?
Of course, life comes with responsibilities—tasks that must be done to keep things moving. But how many of them exist purely to satisfy an ingrained need for achievement rather than genuine purpose or fulfillment? What would happen if, every so often, we chose to pause? To simply be?
To revel in the joy of a moment rather than relentlessly marching toward the next checkbox on our to-do list?
Today is my son’s first birthday. Rather than racing through a list of obligations, I’m heading to an estate sale with my little ones—hunting for beauty, history, and wonder. There are crumbs strewn across the floor at home. Endless to-do lists are waiting.
But for the sake of my creative life (as Einstein suggested), for the health of my soul, and for my children, this afternoon, we play.
We will go to the park, watch the clouds, maybe go on a treasure hunt.
How will you play today?
What joy-inducing, non-utilitarian endeavors will you undertake for their own sake,
Leave your aspiration for play in the comments below!
Happy birthday, Percival!
Today, our Percival James Alexander Hudson turns five.
Percy: How do I count the ways that I love you?
You were my first love, the one who gave me the greatest gift of all: making me a mother.
Thank you for teaching me to forgive readily and freely, to love with abandon, to sing my heart out, to dance with gusto, and—most meaningfully to me right now—to play. Your life is a ripple of laughter, levity, and joy, a much-needed antidote to the seriousness of life.
I want to know and love you better every day, learning and growing alongside you. You have brought your father and me more joy than we ever thought imaginable. We are so lucky you are ours.
Happy fifth birthday, Percy!
Looking ahead:
April 24, 2025- Kennesaw State University
April 30, 2025- Community Book Talk at Hussey-Mayfield Library
May 23, 2025, St. Johns Classical Academy of Fleming Island, Commencement Speaker
May 24, 2025, Redefining Classics, The Catholic University of America
September 26- 27, 2025- Civility Summit
In the news:
Discussing NOT talking about politics on FOX 59's In Focus with Dan Spehler
Civility, manners, and hospitality in the Odyssey- guest post for Classical Pursuits
Washington Post: Want to save your friendships? Take a page from the Founding Fathers.
Paideia, Humanitas, Civility and Education- I was honored to be invited to write this essay for The Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy. In a time often marked by division and discord, reflecting on the relationship between civility and education offers both wisdom and hope.
Thanks to Timothy Donahue of Oakland University for this thoughtful Public Books review of The Soul of Civility! He highlights a key argument: civility isn’t mere politeness—it’s essential for real social progress. Read here!
I had a great time joining Josh on the Good Morning Liberty podcast! We discussed historical lessons on civility, focusing on how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson overcame deep political divides to restore their friendship. Their story is a powerful reminder that mutual respect can heal even the deepest rifts. The episode is now live—tune in and let me know your thoughts!
It’s Time for a New Era of Christian Civility- read my latest piece for Christianity Today!
Thanks so much to MSNBC for hosting a segment about The Soul of Civility. Watch here!
Currently Reading & Loving:
A Year Ago on Civic Renaissance:
Civility According to Blaise Pascal
Thank you for being part of our Civic Renaissance community!
