Abstract
IN this book Dr. Bally tries to gain insight into human conduct by comparing it with animal behaviour. He undertakes a re-definition of play and examines its aspects in animals and humans. The investigation starts with a description of instinctive behaviour in animals where he traces the origin of play. He shows how this begins only after a certain relaxation in instinctive drives which is achieved by maternal care and protection. Play continues to be found in older animals only if man provides protection from hunger and the enemy's threat, as in domestic animals. Even adult chimpanzees lose the joy of play. The organisation of human society provides a protection which enables man to retain an interest in. play during his whole life. It is demonstrated how this comparative satisfaction of instinctive urges leads to the development of freedom. The problem of freedom is then discussed, and the reasons for its success or failure in human society clarified.
Eine Deutung des Spiels bei Tier und Mensch.
Von Gustav Bally. Pp. 140. (Basel: Benno Schwabe und Co., 1945.) n.p.
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Vom Urpsrung und von den Grenzen der Freihiet. Nature 160, 315 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/160315d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/160315d0