People should develop hobbies.

The primary argument against is that it takes time and effort, but please bear with me while I enumerate the reasons why I think that hobbies are a really good idea. There are just so many reasons that it actually takes me a while to really think it out:

1) It fights boredom. Sometimes I'm bored, but when I think about it there's always a lot out there that I could be doing. I just don't do it because, well, I'm not thinking about it. Having a formal hobby gives me something to slap in there when I can't think of anything else to do. I have come to believe that humans must always be doing something, even if that something is actively doing nothing.

2) It makes gift giving cheap and easy. After all, if I make something to give to someone it's generally cheaper than buying something. Also, when buying something is hard because I don't know what they would enjoy it gives me a huge out. Because I made it myself it has meaning, meaning that would be lacking if I sought to just buy them something. It also protects me against the little in-jokes I like to make with birthday present, you know if they go over poorly.

3) It can make money, or partially pay for itself. Entertainment is expensive. There are several billion dollar industries dedicated to keeping us busy and entertained. If I can entertain myself while making something that I can sell informally to make up the cost of materials AND entertain someone else, how is that not a great idea? Granted, if everyone did it then it would be hard for me to sell my own hand made stuff. Still, not everyone is going to even though I'm suggesting that t might be a good idea.

4) It develops other skills. After all, experience in doing your own thing and possibly running your own side business pays dividends when trying to do other things. If nothing else, doing work with your hands is exercise and helps work with coordination. People with hobbies are less likely to suffer form Alzheimer's and other age-related illness. People who have hobbies that involve lifting and moving things don't have to spend as long at a gym to keep things going as they're getting some exercise elsewhere. There are a lot of little side benefits like that, and sometimes people find their jobs made easier because they picked up a hobby.

5) It makes friendships easier. Feel boring? Well, if you have a hobby then you're less boring. Have nothing to talk about? Well, have a hobby and you do. Have nothing in common? Ask about their hobbies and share about yours. If nothing else, it's a social out and excuse to talk with the hot chicks.

The long and the short of it. I don't know why I started thinking about this topic... maybe that's a hobby of mine.... you know... thinking about things...