ABSTRACT
The development from the Enlightenment idea that man is the 'master of the universe' towards the existential confusion of postmodernity can be sketched by highlighting a few of the insights that helped deconstruct that optimistic picture. An important insight is that leisure plays a key role in the commodification of postmodernity: postmodern society has transformed experiences into something that can be purchased and consumed. Russell highlights the role of leisure in the historical developments that have brought us to our current, postmodern confusion. Another historical development mentioned by Russell is the improvement of conditions for average working citizens, primarily the regularisation of the work/non-work balance, as well as rising income. This chapter highlights a few ideas from Visser analysis of the pressure of experience, and the importance of the experience to leisure: to have such a satisfactory sensation is the goal and quality criterion for many leisure pursuits.
