What’s the story?
Dr Franklin Spencer, at the Bangor Institute of Psychology says that hobbies are, ‘In essence, a modern expression of suppressed primordial instincts.’ Eh?

In other words
We are all, fundamentally, pack animals. Even people who would describe themselves as ‘loners’ are not really asocial – they still use social networks – supermarkets, television, social security, whatever – even as they attain to an anti-social stance.

Is that all?
No - there’s more: Amateur Dramatics, for example, not only facilitates our need for human interaction, it also releases a need and capability unique to the human species… Imagination is the great leap forward – the urge to discover and develop ourselves individually and as a species.

Pushing back the frontiers
Hobbies reflect this facility perfectly: the rocket-building people, the plane acrobat, the potholers – they’re all demonstrating our unquenched facility to explore, to prod, push-forward, press on…

But they’re only amateurs
It’s easy to overlook the significance of spare time activities in the advent of modern man. Yet I only need point out that Einstein was still a patent examiner in Bern when he first developed the theory of relativity in his potting shed on Saturdays.

Making a statement
People with tattoos show the dichotomy of modern living. Body modification – tattoos, piercing, branding – is increasingly popular in Western society. It’s very tribal – and in this instance it’s evidence of a whole tribe of people turning their back on prevailing cultural norms of modern life and living.

Forming tribes
They are re-inventing their own rules of living – yet note how, despite any protestations of individualism, this remains a fairly large-scale, and therefore social phenomenon. It’s the act of buying into a club or creed, in exactly the same way as is joining a brass band.

Are hobbies good for us?
Absolutely: hobbies not only act as a release valve for unfulfilled elements and emotions, they can also broaden the mind and the skill base of an individual. Interactive hobbies are also particularly good at widening social skills and inter-spatial problem solving, they are conduits for confidence boosting.

Do you yourself have a hobby?
I breed ornamental carp.

And what does that say about you?
It says I like fish.

So there you have it – straight from Dr Spencer’s mouth – hobbies are good for you. So if you’ve not got one – go get one. Now!

Our thanks to Dr Franklin Spencer of the Bangor Institute of Psychology for his eye-opening insights into the psychology of hobbies.