This sounds like such killjoy advice. "Don't wear glitter! Change your rainbow colours to drab grey! Don't dance! Frown all the time!" But of course that is not what is meant.
My interpretation is that "frivolity" can be seen as a near-enemy to "joy". It's like an artificial sweetener, which tastes vaguely like sugar but is unsatisfying (and ultimately unhealthy). As you write, frivolity is superficial. Joy on the other hand goes deep.
So if we want to experience "fun" we should look for something that brings real joy. Joy opens the door to friendliness and generosity and other positive qualities. Just watch small children at play and see how they are full of laughter and enjoy the moment. They are not frivolous, they are completely in the here and now. I guess we should play more. Without any aim, just for the pleasure of playing.
This sounds like such killjoy advice. "Don't wear glitter! Change your rainbow colours to drab grey! Don't dance! Frown all the time!" But of course that is not what is meant.
My interpretation is that "frivolity" can be seen as a near-enemy to "joy". It's like an artificial sweetener, which tastes vaguely like sugar but is unsatisfying (and ultimately unhealthy). As you write, frivolity is superficial. Joy on the other hand goes deep.
So if we want to experience "fun" we should look for something that brings real joy. Joy opens the door to friendliness and generosity and other positive qualities. Just watch small children at play and see how they are full of laughter and enjoy the moment. They are not frivolous, they are completely in the here and now. I guess we should play more. Without any aim, just for the pleasure of playing.