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Zelda taught me the importance of play

I initially dismissed the Wind Waker’s cartoonish visuals as juvenile. But now I try to carry the game’s sense of joy into all aspects of my life

Zelda taught me the importance of play

TL;DR

  • The author initially rejected video games perceived as juvenile or mindless, intellectualizing those they played to justify their time.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, with its cartoonish art style, was initially dismissed but ultimately led to a profound realization about the nature and importance of play.
  • The game's emphasis on exploration and rewarding playful impulses allowed the author to experience pure enjoyment without overthinking.
  • This experience redefined the author's relationship with games, emphasizing that playfulness is essential, not childish, and should be nurtured throughout life.
  • The author advocates for play as a vital survival strategy against a world that pressures individuals to be constantly productive, framing fun as a valid and important organizing principle for life.