The article “shop class as soulcraft” was so valuable for me. The jist of the article was that working with my hands is of less “value” and intellectual than theoretical thinking jobs. Ie. The example of working in a think tank and being paid way more than a labourer. The authors thesis defends that the value of craftsmanship, doing something well for its own sake, and makes a good point that craftsmanship opposes consumerism and the throwaway mentality something very prevalent in our culture.
Crawford articulates the feelings and values that I’ve felt most of my life as I would work on my truck or bike with pride. Hands on work is all intellectually stimulating, tactile and fulfilling in its own way.
Article:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5GEyN-fhA6WZWExYTM0YTItNDZlNS00YjlmLTkyOWUtMDFkNzlmZjIwY2U1