A. People today have more time for hobbies than ever before. B. But some persons who had spare time did enjoy hobbies. C. Hobbies can also help patients keep healthy. D. They also go to concerts, climb mountains, go fishing, skate or swim. E. Actually, anyone, old or young, sick or well, rich or poor, can follow a good hobby, in spite of his age, health or money. F. Everyone has his own hobby. |
A hobby can be almost anything that a person likes to do in his spare time. Hobbyists raise pets, watch pictures, play the piano and grow flowers. They collect everything from books to butterflies and from boxes to stamps.
People take up hobbies because they offer enjoyment, friendship and relaxation. Hobbies help people to relax after a long time of hard work, and provide a balance between work and play. Some hobbies offer interesting and help him learn new skills. Doctors have found that hobbies are useful in helping patients recover from illness. Many hospitals treat (治疗) patients by having them taking up hobbies.
In early times, most people were too busy making a living to have many hobbies. The ancient Egyptians played games with balls made of wood.
Machines have now reduced much time that people have to spend on their jobs. More people retire(退休) at an earlier age than before. Those who have developed hobbies never need to worry about what to do with their newly-found free hours.
Sir William Osler, a famous Canadian doctor expressed the value of the hobbies by saying, "No man is really happy or safe without a hobby."