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

Flow: The Psychology of Happiness

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi • 51 highlights

amazon.com

Cover of Flow: The Psychology of Happiness

Why We Need More Omakase Creators

Luke Burgis read.lukeburgis.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.

Christopher Butler • Periodical 17 – Optimization

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 point of these lines is clear. In the old days, craftsmen did not cut corners. They worked carefully, and they took care with every aspect of their work. Every part of the product was considered, and each was designed and made to be exactly as it should be. These craftsmen did not relax their thoughtful self-discipline even with respect to feat... See more

Harry Frankfurt • On Bullshit

Mastery

Robert Greene

amazon.com

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry: Secrets of an Ancient Woodworking Craft

Azby Brown