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

A man from the city went on a retreat to the forest where he met an old woman who lived in a small shack. He said to her "It seems like a great deal of work to chop wood and build a fire just so you can make your tea." She responded "It seems like a great deal of work to wake up early and go to a job for 40 hours of every week to afford electricity

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... See more