Power of Play
Ethiopia
It is a happy talent to know how to play.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fiji
Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a
tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.
- Henri Matisse
Tibet
The true object of all human life is play.
- G. K. Chesterton
China
Afghanistan
India
Cambodia
Men do not quit playing because they grow old;
they grow old because they quit playing.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Tibet
India
Play is the exultation of the possible.
- Martin Buber
India
A child loves his play, not because it’s easy,
but because it’s hard.
- Benjamin Spock
Mauritania
People tend to forget that play is serious.
- David Hockney
Afghanistan
India
In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior.
In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.
- Lev Vygotsky
Burma
When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to
move beyond the bounds of reality.
A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet.
A small child can be a superhero.
- Fred Rogers
Ethiopia
India
Mali
Ritual grew up in sacred play; poetry was born in play and nourished on play;
music and dancing were pure play….
We have to conclude, therefore,
that civilization is, in its earliest phases, played…
- Johan Huizinga
Australia
Burma
Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.
- Diane Ackerman
Ethiopia
Yemen
Play, while it cannot change the external realities of children’s lives,
can be a vehicle for children to explore and enjoy their differences and similarities,
and to create, even for a brief time, a more just world
where everyone is an equal and valued participant.
- Patricia G. Ramsey
India
India
Play is the highest form of research.
- attributed to Albert Einstein
India
Cuba
Sometimes you have to drop the rake and play in the leaves.
- Douglas V’Soske
Burma
India
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Steve’s New Portrait App Available Now:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/portraits-by-steve-mccurry/id589821521?mt=8
May 9, 2013 at 15:01
Beautiful
March 17, 2013 at 19:12
[...] http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/power-of-play/ [...]
March 5, 2013 at 14:28
Reblogged this on sustainAble thinking and commented:
Life is a song – sing it.
Life is a game – play it.
Life is a challenge – meet it.
Life is a dream – realize it.
Life is a sacrifice – offer it.
Life is love – enjoy it.
February 22, 2013 at 06:44
Reblogged this on FeintRules and commented:
These moments are all captured exceptionally by Steve McCurry. Inspiration at its finest.
February 20, 2013 at 05:44
Your photos take us with you on your journey. Thanks for sharing, they tell such a story.
February 19, 2013 at 21:52
Reblogged this on Aurora Rebecca and commented:
Play. It always comes back to play for me. I love how Steve McCurry adds quotes alongside his photographs, especially these ones. My heart responds.
February 19, 2013 at 19:03
Reblogged this on Outside the Margin.
February 19, 2013 at 16:55
You have captured the essence of play in a way I have never before seen
February 12, 2013 at 22:08
Big fan of your work!
February 12, 2013 at 16:30
[...] Photography by Steve McCurry [...]
February 12, 2013 at 05:20
What an uplifting post!
February 11, 2013 at 15:26
Steve, great job!!!! You have to come back to add up a few Russian snapshots)) warm regards from Moscow, irina
February 10, 2013 at 06:17
Loved it. Absolutely.
February 8, 2013 at 22:55
[...] The Power of Play [...]
February 8, 2013 at 17:34
Reblogged this on jijuatheena.
February 8, 2013 at 17:27
It is just amazing how you always manage to catch the moment .Absolutely fantastic i love ur pictures
February 8, 2013 at 16:15
Play is an activity that is joyful, exciting, and enriching. Play makes a person smile. A smile sometimes creates a laugh. A laugh is an instant vacation.
February 8, 2013 at 08:46
Loved it!!
February 7, 2013 at 14:39
Beautiful pictures, beautiful quotes! Play is everywhere. It is part of human.
February 7, 2013 at 03:56
powerful. love it
February 6, 2013 at 19:25
Really great blog!
February 6, 2013 at 17:02
awesome post thanks!
February 6, 2013 at 02:42
Love the quotes…and how beautifully the photos complimented them. Just wanted you to know that jbw0231 came to my blog and shared your link as one of her favorite blogs to visit. I completely understand why she chose you.
February 6, 2013 at 00:20
Love this!!!!!!
February 5, 2013 at 14:23
That is simply awesome! I’m enchanted with the work of McCurry!
February 5, 2013 at 12:37
[...] beautiful post from photographer Steve McCurry called The Power of Play amply illustrates that very thing, in action, in photos and [...]
February 5, 2013 at 11:13
Wonderful!
February 4, 2013 at 19:06
Absolutely fantastic!
February 4, 2013 at 15:17
El juego es la llave secreta para lograr aprender/enseñar
El juego hace más fácel, dulce y significativo todo, aún el amor
El juego libera el alma del sufrimiento y del hambre
El juego hace de la vida el milagro que es
February 4, 2013 at 14:29
Inspiring and beautiful as always. Someday, I would be happy to travel to half the places you have been.
February 4, 2013 at 01:38
Thank you Steve, your images are a source of inspiration to us all
February 3, 2013 at 16:09
Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.
February 2, 2013 at 20:48
Wow! I love your pictures! Great job!
February 2, 2013 at 09:45
Play.. My favourite past time.
February 1, 2013 at 21:33
Amazing. The joy of play is truly beyond words. I have smiled…for so long watching this again and again…that I want to leave this crazy lap…and go play.
February 1, 2013 at 20:38
Reblogged this on Annemarie Steen and commented:
Wonderful pictures in Steve McCurry’s blog of people Playing. Love t!
February 1, 2013 at 19:48
[...] Ethiopia It is a happy talent to know how to play. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Fiji Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of … [...]
February 1, 2013 at 17:56
Reblogged this on Mental Flowers and commented:
What a beautiful collection of photos capturing people playing around the world. Happy Friday, go play!
February 1, 2013 at 14:41
Beautiful photos!!!!!
February 1, 2013 at 10:05
Reblogged this on redgalera17.
February 1, 2013 at 09:28
Reblogged this on ingridwblog.
February 1, 2013 at 07:03
beautiful
February 1, 2013 at 02:19
Reblogged this on invisible (no longer) and commented:
This is beautiful. It never ceases to amaze me how amazing a child’s smile is.
January 31, 2013 at 22:26
Reblogged this on Filosofia de vida and commented:
Power of play
January 31, 2013 at 22:08
Reblogged this on shanesinspiration.
January 31, 2013 at 16:45
Amazing
wow
January 31, 2013 at 15:58
Incredibly awesome.
January 31, 2013 at 15:18
Reblogged this on MECASOENSORIA and commented:
Qué sonrisas.
January 31, 2013 at 14:41
Reblogged this on Fiddlehouse Dad and commented:
Play is one of my main topics, and this is a great series of photos and quotes (not to mention that it share the title of my best workshop).
January 31, 2013 at 14:26
Your images are just so beautiful and depict the child in such a wonderfull form where you can see the soul of childhood. I am a pro child photographer who believe very much in portraying the child as you did. The quotes are perfect for each single of them. It is really inspiring to start my day. My question , would they be available in a book so I can purchase. Thank you for making my thursday so much brighter!
January 31, 2013 at 12:59
Reblogged this on black board, white chalk and commented:
An powerful tribute to the need for play in the lives of children. Thank you Steve McCurry.
January 31, 2013 at 11:31
Beautiful quotes and extraordinary pictures. Sad to see so few girls playing and women writing about it …
February 15, 2013 at 23:57
That was my thought as well…
January 31, 2013 at 10:08
I love your picture. They are so full of live and love for people and places all around the world.
January 31, 2013 at 09:03
Inspiring and beautiful.
January 31, 2013 at 08:53
Reblogged this on MikeGreenslade's Blog and commented:
If you ever need inspiration to continue making images then Steve McCurry is always a good place to start …………
January 31, 2013 at 08:49
Thank you for posting these. Thanks to my friends for adding it to FB so I could see them this page is now in my fave list. Looking at these photos just proves to me what I’ve always known PLAY is fundamental to everyones well being thank you.
January 31, 2013 at 07:13
Wonderful photographs and insightful quotes. Thanks!
January 31, 2013 at 06:31
[...] you’ve had all of your thoughts provoked by photographer Steve McCurry’s post Power of Play, turn off all of your electronic gadgets and go outside to play with your family and [...]
January 31, 2013 at 03:41
Reblogged at https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Rio-Charter-School
January 31, 2013 at 02:45
Gracias por compartir esas fotos increíbles!
January 31, 2013 at 02:36
Reblogged this on Wonder and Beauty.
January 31, 2013 at 01:55
Very nice… as always!
January 30, 2013 at 23:15
Reblogged this on PlayGroundology and commented:
Steve McCurry is there when play erupts, is in full exuberant swing. These joyous images bear witness to play’s universal beat. By nature it shines a bright light wherever it is allowed to flourish.
January 30, 2013 at 21:25
Always giving us such beautiful images
Thanks Steve
January 30, 2013 at 18:15
[...] Ethiopia It is a happy talent to know how to play. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Fiji Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of … [...]
January 30, 2013 at 18:15
[...] Ethiopia It is a happy talent to know how to play. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Fiji Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of … [...]
January 30, 2013 at 18:13
Wow ! Great pictures !
January 30, 2013 at 17:06
They’re excellent. Made me smile and lifted my spirits and hope.
January 30, 2013 at 17:04
[...] http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/power-of-play/ [...]
January 30, 2013 at 16:38
Astounding pictures, astounding words. As ever.
January 30, 2013 at 16:33
Esta es una serie de fotografias que hace que uno volver a tener esperanzas en la humanidad y olvidarse por un instante de la situación del mundo. Además muestra que se puede jugar tan sólo con la imaginación. Gracias.
This is a serie of photographs that makes you regain hope in humanity and forget for a moment the state of the world. It also shows that you can play with the imagination only. Thank you.
January 30, 2013 at 16:22
Fantastico come sempre!.Un grande artista della fotografia.Grazie
January 30, 2013 at 16:00
Reblogged this on Ideas_R_Bulletproof and commented:
Steve McCurry shows the similarity and contrasts of culture around the world in this collection of photos “Power of Play”
January 30, 2013 at 14:18
Dear Mr McCurry,
)
I think a lot of our children from the so-called “First World” should be here just looking at your pictures…They will see, and may be think about, how children from Mali, Yemen, Mauritania…are able to create a wonderful world out of nothing, just with the power of their imagination…And imagination should the the last treasure to loose….Thanks for the pictures! (as always!
January 30, 2013 at 13:16
Wonderful sentiment! . . . As always, love your photos and accompanying captions. Very inspiring!
January 30, 2013 at 11:56
Reblogged this on mymotionpicture and commented:
When bruised knees and restless afternoons were closer to our soul and dusty challenges made us smile!
January 30, 2013 at 10:27
[...] http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/power-of-play/ [...]
January 30, 2013 at 09:48
Stunning work…
January 30, 2013 at 09:00
It is just amazing how you always manage to catch the moment. Superb again.
January 30, 2013 at 06:07
Such beautiful and powerfully delicate imagery.
January 30, 2013 at 05:59
Fantastic series of work again… Love every single photograph…
January 30, 2013 at 04:06
amazing as usual!
January 30, 2013 at 03:59
Powerful and Playful set “Power of Play”. Great Photographs!
January 30, 2013 at 03:36
marching of the joy…
love this, Mr. Steve! x
January 30, 2013 at 03:30
thank you for the inspiration…
January 30, 2013 at 02:43
Reblogged this on Ask Amma and commented:
Serendipity! A gift from Steve McCurry for our series on Play!
January 30, 2013 at 01:56
Reblogged this on Small Circle Big Circle and commented:
With infinite gratitude for the incredible work of Steve McCurry
January 30, 2013 at 01:25
He has the most stunning work. He is subject of my paper and report for my photography class tomorrow evening at college. Jerri Myers
January 30, 2013 at 01:11
Always, you photos are superbe …
January 30, 2013 at 01:09
I love your photos so much; I could spend hours studying them. What makes them so perfect? A great eye, being in the right place at the right time, having a great camera and great photography skills. All of the above, I assume. And maybe a bit of luck? Whatever it is, Steve, I’m bowled over and inspired by your take on the world! ~ Cathy
January 30, 2013 at 00:53
Very good
January 30, 2013 at 00:26
Amazing!
January 29, 2013 at 23:55
Wonderful work as always Steve!
January 29, 2013 at 23:27
[...] It is a happy talent to know how to play. – Ralph Waldo Emerson [...]
January 29, 2013 at 22:59
Stunning photos from someone who knows how to play!
January 29, 2013 at 22:56
Steve’s work from is simply outstanding.
Cheers,
Chelsea Dillon-Miller Taylor
info@omochild.org
January 29, 2013 at 22:45
It’s beautiful how you capture beauty in every corner of the world. This is inspiring. I need to play.
January 29, 2013 at 22:29
Thank you so very much Steve! These are some of my favorites… brought back memories of my youth!
January 29, 2013 at 22:19
Omgoodness Steve, this may just be one of my favorites of yours! Dynamic, these images cross borders…cross cultures…i love them all! Thank you thank you! Best regards Connie Fisher Jensen Retired architect…:)
_______________________________ Sent through space from a Droid 2
January 29, 2013 at 21:57
Thank you for reminding me to take a breath and play. The look of delight on the children’s faces makes me want to drop all my busy plans and go and do something I enjoy- i am now going to the beach! heart felt thanks
January 29, 2013 at 21:50
Amazing and inspiring … thanks for posting
January 29, 2013 at 21:47
gorgeous shots..
January 29, 2013 at 21:34
Love this post…right down to Ralph Waldo Emerson who’s my hero.
January 29, 2013 at 21:34
Reblogged this on isismystery.
January 29, 2013 at 21:29
Reblogged this on Welcome to Sharp&Clever and commented:
Great Pix and Intelligent Quotes
January 29, 2013 at 21:27
Just Great by Pix and Quotes…
January 29, 2013 at 21:16
Brilliant! Inspirational for my own photography and my role as Head of the Magic Bus Centre for learning & Development here in India! Thanks, Steve
http://Www.robtholasphotography.wordpress.com
January 29, 2013 at 20:45
Reblogged this on X O R N A L E I R A.
January 29, 2013 at 20:39
Thank you for this! It was such fun to look at.
January 29, 2013 at 20:34
Beatiful pictures, captivating stories. I particularly liked the shot from Fuji.
January 29, 2013 at 20:30
Fantastic set of photos.
January 29, 2013 at 20:25
I can’t never get tired of admiring your stunning pictures, Steve. I’ve been constantly forwarding your new posts to my friends, a thing I don’t do lightly. Your work defines what any social statement about how we live today should be about: a combination of compassion, denouncement, indignation, poetry, and eloquence, and that, of course, is a poor attempt to describe what your images do with so much more simplicity and power. Congrats. We all take a ride around the world with your pics and come back better human beings. Thank you.
January 29, 2013 at 20:23
Exquisite! For us, with our four and five year olds, play is that place where imagination and intellect meet…the place where the mind is at its best. Thank you for these posts!
January 29, 2013 at 20:19
It is a beautiful display of imaginative children ,whose imagination can soar beyond the realm of adults.These are awesome photographs.Thanks a bunch for your post.
Ranu
January 29, 2013 at 20:16
Beautiful! I wish there we a few more photos of girls though.
January 29, 2013 at 20:15
A great reminder to all of us to play more. Thanks for the evocative images.
January 29, 2013 at 20:14
Grandiose!!
January 29, 2013 at 20:12
Stunning photo set! Food for the soul!
January 29, 2013 at 20:04
The colours of this dark winter’s evening suddenly brightened.
January 29, 2013 at 20:04
I was lamenting to my (almost adult) students the other day that they just don’t “play”—explore, be creative, experiment, try new ideas, learn how to fail well, discover— enough. They looked at me as if I were crazy.
Your images are inspirational.
January 29, 2013 at 19:58
[...] from http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/20…power-of-play/ [...]
January 29, 2013 at 19:57
Reblogged this on Gooseyanne's Blog and commented:
Just go full screen – sit back and enjoy these marvellous photographs from Steve McCurry.
January 29, 2013 at 19:57
Sent from my iPhone Steve Barbour
January 29, 2013 at 19:56
As ever – you have made my day and lifted my soul with your beautiful photographs – thank you.
January 29, 2013 at 19:54
enjoyed the amazing photos of children and people in light-hearted moments
January 29, 2013 at 19:54
Another top collection
January 29, 2013 at 19:53
Wonderful photos and text Thank you so much
January 29, 2013 at 19:51
Love this post. We really are just one small world trying to make the best of what we have. Stunning photos.