This document discusses various definitions and perspectives on play from notable thinkers such as Maria Montessori, John Dewey, J.E. Johnson, C. Garvey, M.J. Ellis, Fredrick Froebel, Jerome Bruner, Irenaus Eibl-Eibesfeldt, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Key elements that emerge are that play is intrinsically motivated, freely chosen, pleasurable activity that is important for child development and brings out what is in a child's soul. Play is also described as a form of experimentation and dialogue with one's environment.