Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
For strivers, leisure may be the hardest skill to master--but it's also one of the most important. Arthur C. Brooks, author of "The Happiness Files" and "The Meaning of Your Life", argues that leisure is not laziness or escape, but a serious practice that can make us more creative, grounded, and effective. He challenges leaders to rethink “work-life balance” and instead pursue a more integrated, meaningful life. For ambitious professionals, the lesson is clear: learning how to use leisure well may be one of the most important skills for long-term happiness and success.
More from Arthur C. Brooks: themeaningofyourlife.com and amazon.com/Happiness-Files-Insights-Arthur-Brooks/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN
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For strivers, leisure may be the hardest skill to master--but it's also one of the most important. Arthur C. Brooks, author of "The Happiness Files" and "The Meaning of Your Life", argues that leisure is not laziness or escape, but a serious practice that can make us more creative, grounded, and effective. He challenges leaders to rethink “work-life balance” and instead pursue a more integrated, meaningful life. For ambitious professionals, the lesson is clear: learning how to use leisure well may be one of the most important skills for long-term happiness and success.
More from Arthur C. Brooks: themeaningofyourlife.com and amazon.com/Happiness-Files-Insights-Arthur-Brooks/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN
Books, tools, and more: store.hbr.org
Follow us:
hbr.org
linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review
facebook.com/HBR
twitter.com/HarvardBiz
instagram.com/harvard_business_review
Sign up for Newsletters: hbr.org/email-newsletters
#HarvardBusinessReview #YourCareer #Career #Job #Work #Business #Harvard #HarvardBusinessSchool
Copyright © 2026 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved.
