Archivist’s Pick: A Time For “Loafing, Hiking, Climbing”

Here’s this month’s piece from the Drucker Institute’s archivist, Bridget Lawlor. By drawing lessons from the vast treasure trove of papers and other objects that are collected in Peter Drucker’s archives, Bridget is giving new life to decades-old material.

As Memorial Day approaches, many people will start turning their attention to summer break and the chance for some much needed rest. As has been noted, Peter Drucker had a strong aversion to not working. But even he slowed down once in a while.

In this 1967 letter from his cherished cabin in Colorado to his then-secretary, Jean Kidd, Drucker reveals that he has begun “to do a little, a very little work.” But mostly, he says, “we are loafing, hiking, climbing.”

Let summer begin! A happy—and relaxing—holiday to all.