---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Recreation is not a secondary concern for…"
description: "\"Recreation is not a secondary concern for a democracy. It is a primary concern, for the kind of recreation a people make for themselves determines the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c3/harry-allen-overstreet-32360_concern_recreation-is-not-a-secondary-concern-fo_2435088.jpg"
---

#  Recreation is not a secondary concern for a democracy. It…

![“Recreation is not a secondary concern for a democracy. It is a primary concern, for the kind of recreation a people make for themselves determines the kind of people they become and the kind of society they build.” quote by Harry Allen Overstreet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c3/harry-allen-overstreet-32360_concern_recreation-is-not-a-secondary-concern-fo_2435088.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c3/harry-allen-overstreet-32360_concern_recreation-is-not-a-secondary-concern-fo_2435088.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c3/harry-allen-overstreet-32360_concern_recreation-is-not-a-secondary-concern-fo_2435088.jpg)

> “Recreation is not a secondary concern for a democracy. It is a primary concern, for the kind of recreation a people make for themselves determines the kind of people they become and the kind of society they build.”

[Harry Allen Overstreet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-allen-overstreet/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Recreation shapes civic character; the activities a society values define its future.

**In simple terms:** Leisure activities shape society’s character.

Key Takeaway

Promote meaningful recreation.

Themes

democracy recreation society

Mood

optimistic reflective

Type

philosophical policy-oriented

When to use this quote

- leisure
- education
- urban planning

Key Concepts

civic engagement culture public policy

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your leisure reflect your values?
- What civic benefits arise from shared recreation?

A Different Perspective

Recreation may be undervalued politically.

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