In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the rush to achieve our goals and meet our deadlines. However, as the ancient Greek philosopher Plato reminds us, "important things take time." This statement not only applies to our professional lives, but also to our personal and intellectual pursuits.

Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, believed in the importance of a balance between the "scholarly life" and the "leisurely life." He believed that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom was essential for a fulfilling life, but that it was also important to take time for leisure and relaxation.

In Plato's Republic, he proposed that the ideal society would be one in which individuals were able to pursue both their intellectual and leisurely interests. He believed that a balance between the two would lead to a well-rounded and fulfilled life. He wrote that "the life which is neither pleasant nor painful is not worth living."

Plato's ideas on the balance between scholarly and leisurely life can be applied to our own lives today. To achieve our goals and reach our full potential, it is important to dedicate time and effort to our work and intellectual pursuits. However, it is also important to take time for leisure and relaxation to recharge and maintain a healthy balance.

It is important to mention that Plato believed that leisure activities should be of the highest quality and that the pursuits should be what we might call "High Leisure" activities. High Leisure activities are leisure activities that are challenging and stimulating, such as reading, writing, playing music, and engaging in conversation with people.

One of the main reasons why important things take time is that they require a significant amount of effort and dedication. For example, learning a new skill or studying for a professional certification can take months or even years. Similarly, building a successful business or pursuing a career in a competitive field can take years of hard work and sacrifice.

Additionally, important things often require a significant amount of patience and perseverance. We may encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way, and it can be easy to become discouraged. However, it is important to remember that these challenges are a natural part of the process and that they can ultimately lead to growth and progress.

One of the key takeaways from Plato's thoughts on the balance between the scholarly and leisurely life is the importance of setting priorities. Identifying what is truly important to us and allocating our time and resources accordingly is essential. This means setting aside time for our work and intellectual pursuits but also taking time to relax and recharge.

By Dean Miles

Keywords: Business Continuity, Mental Health, Startups