People often advise against mixing business and pleasure, but the wealthy ancient Roman statesman, lawyer, government official, and financial advisor, Pliny the Younger (c. 61/62-113), believed that a little recreation and stimulation could go a long way for cultivating a productive mental state. In particular, Pliny believed that hunting excursions presented an ideal time and environment to devote oneself to reading, studying, and writing. According to Pliny, the pleasant fresh air and the healthy physical exertion of trekking through the countryside was a sure bet for sharpening the mind. He recommended setting traps, nets, and snares so that the hunter would not need to actively keep their eye on the prey. Instead, with the traps set, the hunter-scholar could pull out his papers and get some work done in the idyllic environment of nature. Impressively, Pliny was able to muffle the crinkling and clinking of his papers and writing tools enough to not disturb the local wildlife; and his hunts were successful, with multiple animals falling victim to his nets. Pliny happily boasted to his famous friend, the historian Tacitus (c. 56/57-117), about his successes, both for his mind and stomach, that he was achieving during these hunting trips. Pliny wrote:
“I know you will think it a good joke, as indeed it is, when I tell you that your old friend has caught three boars, very fine ones too. Yes, I really did, and without even changing any of my lazy holiday habits. I was sitting by the hunting nets with writing materials by my side instead of hunting spears, thinking something out and making notes, so that even if I came home empty-handed I should at least have my notebooks filled. Don’t look down on mental activity of this kind, for it is remarkable how one’s wits are sharpened by physical exercise; the mere fact of being alone in the depths of the woods in the silence necessary for hunting is a positive stimulus to thought. So next time you hunt yourself, follow my example and take your notebooks along with your lunch-basket and flask; you will find that Minerva walks the hills no less than Diana” (Pliny the Younger, Letters, 1.6).
Unfortunately, Tacitus’ response to the curious letter was not recorded. We do not know if the famous historian applauded, or scolded, or simply ignored Pliny’s enthusiastic pitch for working while hunting. Whatever the case, this particular mix of business and pleasure seemed to work well for Pliny the Younger. Three boars and a filled notebook is not a bad haul for a day of leisure.
Written by C. Keith Hansley
Picture Attribution: (Cropped section of The Three Philosophers, by Giorgione (1478–1510), [Public Domain] via Creative Commons and the Google Art Project).
Sources:
- The Letters of Pliny the Younger, translated by Betty Radice. New York: Penguin Classics, 1963, 1969.
