A good question was raised in the comments yesterday; how do you quantify the seriousness of an activity (like running, underwater basket-weaving, nail-filing, etc.) or the one partaking in such an activity? Obviously this question could easily be extended to any number of other abstract or ethereal mindsets or ideas, but I am curious as to the characteristics, however arbitrarily assigned, of an individual serious in his undertaking of a chosen activity.
The best illustration I can use is my own running. Some might say that I am a serious runner; I would, depending on the day, disagree. Granted, when I am in a situation in which I can establish a very set and regular routine, such as a "regular" job (as opposed school and work), I tend to run most days, but this is probably more to keep my sanity than anything (training for larger races is a nice byproduct, and an admitted catalyst for upping the mileage a little). Alternately, when I'm in school (like now), I tend to just take the attitude of "run as far as I can, as often as I can, whenever I can, however I can," which seems to be a bit passive to be considered serious, regardless of the mileage or the speed, but I must admit, I do get a bit antsy when I don't get to run; does that make me serious? going to do something silly now...
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