# Play **Domain:** Human Development / Creativity / Exploration **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Play is voluntary exploration conducted with enough safety and freedom for curiosity, improvisation, rehearsal, and discovery to become rewarding in themselves.** ## Mechanism and Practice Play lowers the cost of being wrong and permits unusual combinations to be tested before their utility is known. In children and adults, this open search supports learning, creativity, joy, and social connection. ## Relationships [[wiki/Creativity|Creativity]] · [[wiki/Joy|Joy]] · [[wiki/Exploration|Exploration]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Create like a child at play. Approaching your work and dreams with enthusiasm and playfulness, rather than grim seriousness, can make creation more joyful and more fruitful.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Interrupting the Internal Voice of Abuse - Livestream (Feb 2016)* [[reminders/Creativity/Create Like a Child at Play by Bryant McGill|Create Like a Child at Play by Bryant McGill]]