A pioneer in research on play, Dr. Stuart Brown says humor, games, roughhousing, flirtation and fantasy are more than just fun. Plenty of play in childhood makes for happy, smart adults -- and keeping it up can make us smarter at any age. Stuart Brown's research shows play is not just joyful and energizing -- it's deeply involved with human development and intelligence. With the support of the National Geographic Society and Jane Goodall, he has observed animal play in the wild, where he first conceived of play as an evolved behavior important for the well being -- and survival -- of animals, especially those of higher intelligence. Now, through his organization, the National Institute for Play he hopes to expand the study of human play into a vital science -- and help people everywhere enjoy and participate in play throughout life.

Video courtesy of TED: Ideas Worth Sharing