Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work by Matthew
Crawford
http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Class-Soulcraft-Inquiry-Value/dp/1594202230
Has some interesting things to say that I believe adds to this
discussion. Crawford makes a case that many of us that do "modern
knowledge work" wind up being part of a process where we use less and
less real thinking and judgement over time. We become spectators and
are not fully engaged. He makes a case that working with our hands in
the trades can require much greater cognitive engagement and is hence
more fulfilling. My description just scratches the surface of what he
is trying to convey which is much deeper.
cheers,
-David Leibs
On Jul 8, 2010, at 9:10 AM, Alan Kay wrote:
Thoreau said "We become the tools of our tools"; McLuhan: "We become
what we behold".
Both are scary, but the latter one has some hope in it, if we could
make something that by beholding it we would become better.
And technology literally means "anything that humans make" so ideas
count here also as part of the double edged sword collection.
The tradeoffs are both exquisite and excruciating with regard to the
invention and playing of musical instruments .....
Cheers,
Alan
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