Play begins as a major feature of mammalian evolution and remains as a major method of becoming reconciled with our present universe.
A weakness of many of the self-oriented play theories is that they often sound too much like vain consumerism instead of being about the more passionate and willful character of human play, which involves a willingness, even if a fantasy, to believe in the play venture itself.
To play is to act out and be willful, exultant and committed, as if one is assured of one's prospects.
Puritanical attempts to cure society by taking toys away from children are hypocritical and futile.
Despite the efforts of some parents, children still tend to act out the traditional sex roles of our culture. The child's peer group may have more of an influence over this than the parents.
Adults spend $500 billion on games and leisure activity each year, and some adults lament that kids get $15 billion for toys.
