Many Americans, it would appear, seem conflicted about work and leisure. Charles Sylvester, a professor in the Physical Education, Health and Recreation Department at Western Washington University, is curious about why. He’ll discuss the topic of work and leisure – including a few ways Americans might harmonize the two – at a public lecture from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Bellingham City Hall Chambers in downtown Bellingham.

There are many reasons for American’s ambivalence toward work and leisure, Sylvester says.

“Perhaps two of the major sources are the Protestant work ethic, which teaches that the source of all value is work and that idleness (leisure) is the devil’s workshop, and the aristocratic ideal that leisure is to be preferred to work because work is degrading and leisure allows freedom for reflection and culture,” he says....