Once in a while, a great book comes out and profoundly shakes foundations. Shop Class as Soulcraft; An Inquiry Into the Value Of Work by Matthew B. Crawford is a worthy read.
What is so special about this book? This book goes right into the heart of the matter that our educational system trains everyone for information management jobs. What Crawford has done in his book was to show that many inventions do not come from scientists working in labs but astute artisans and craftmen needing to improve their process. Case in point, the steam engine. At the time, scientists were engrossed into what is now a dead en theory, caloric value of heat. The steam engine was invented by craftmen. The book shows many more inventions. Also this book takes a stab at the misconception that crafts and artisanal work is low brow.
About the author, displeased and disillusioned with his Think Tank job, he goes on to say he actually used his brains more when he had his classic motorcycle job.
The book is brilliant and a worthy read for those of you frustrated parents and disillusioned cubicle workers. The book reminds us of the importance of hand eye coordination achieving palpable results at the end of the day creating wonderful brain reactions.
Thumbs up!
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