Why To Make Things

A collection for Paul Kirwin based on this prompt: “I’m a retired custom woodworker. I find community in the writings of others that have found satisfaction and comfort and value in the crafting of things. I’m not looking for ‘How-To Make Things’ books but more like ‘Why To Make Things’ books”

Alex Dobrenko

Blending these two notions, carpentry entails making things that explain how things make their world.

Ian Bogost • Alien Phenomenology, or What It's Like to Be a Thing (Posthumanities)

The true expert does not perform in a state of effortless ‘flow’ | Aeon Essays

Barbara Gail Montero aeon.co

All I needed to hear when I was younger that the things I love were worth something. We live in the age of tooling and creation. There is no shortage of platforms and resources that make it easier for us to build, but there’s also a lack of cultural understanding around that turns young people off things they’re ridiculously good at and love, along... See more

Chia Amisola • In defense of disorder: on career, creativity, and professionalism - Chia's Blog

Tools for thought: science, design, art, craftsmanship?

Andy Matuschak andymatuschak.org

And perhaps the most important thing to realize is that we not only need to create for each other, but for ourselves as well. Creating something is the perfect way to avoid wasting the precious moments that we have been given. To contribute, to create, to chip in to the world around you and to add your line to the world’s story — that is a life... See more

James Clear • Smart People Should Create Things

The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Rick Rubin • 86 highlights

amazon.com

Cover of The Creative Act: A Way of Being

It is as if there were a natural law which ordained that to achieve this end, to refine the curve of a piece of furniture, or a ship’s keel, or the fuselage of an airplane, until gradually it partakes of the elementary purity of the curve of the human breast or shoulder, there must be experimentation of several generations of craftsmen.

Naomi Klein • Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman--Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual

The Arc of the Practical Creator

Lawrence Yeo moretothat.com

I’m frequently reaching for tools as there’s always something to repair, update, or make in this old house. It’s surprising how much of a difference it makes to simply reach for it rather than squat down and rummage through a bin or drawer.