Homo Ludens is unlike any of the other readings we have had so far this semester. The highly theoretical/philosophical/historical text is written quite well and took a lot of time to get through, but there were several chapters that I found interesting. Chapter 6, “Playing and Knowing” discusses the role of riddles and sophistic debate in relation to epistemology and play. I found it made several good points about not only Western thought (through the Germans and Greeks) but also through Eastern philosophy (through the Chinese and Indians).  Much like the rest of the book, the connections to play are deeply rooted in cultural practices and beliefs about competition and value (such as winning in a debate). Huizinga presents Aristotle and Empedocles as masters of debate, problems, and play as a part of paideia. I had never thought of their word PLAY and emphasis on wrestling (mental and physical exercise) as PLAY.  I could get behind this. Homo Ludens seems like  great read– I wish I had more time to dig into it.