Why do we advocate physical culture? [19l3g]

Hans Reichenbach

pp. 124-128

in: Maria Reichenbach, Robert S. Cohen (eds), Selected writings 1909–1953, Berlin, Springer, 1978

Abstract

If we were to list the elements that characterize the life of the general population in our time, we would undoubtedly have to place at the top of the list a strong interest in the cultivation of the body, an effort to improve physical health. There is no question but that the numerous athletic movements, such as hiking, gymnastics, fencing, swimming, ball games, skiing, boating, have won over a large portion of the population. The power of the old fogey who previously enjoyed great respect because of the great circumference of his beer belly and his immense physical sloth has gone into a decline and is receding daily. Slender, sinuous bodies that have willingly developed a capacity for strenuous tasks are becoming increasingly the ideal of our people. As a result, numerous societies and unions have sprung up with the intent of bringing about physical development, especially in the young, in a great variety of ways.