What You'll Learn:
Matthew B. Crawford (1965-) is an American writer, author, and mechanic. He has a doctorate in political philosophy, and currently serves as a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. Alongside his work in academia, Crawford is a small business owner, operating a motorcycle repair shop called Shockoe Moto. When he is not at the institute or in his shop, he is also a contributing editor for The New Atlantis. One particular essay he wrote gave rise to this work, Shop Class as Soulcraft, wherein Crawford embarks on a philosophical reflection into the nature and value of work.
Key Insights:
- The bifurcation between mental and manual work is unrealistic and inapplicable to the trades.
- Manual labor engages the whole person—mind and body.
- Manual labor is mindful labor, which requires attentiveness and commitment.
- Learning a trade enhances our perception.
- Entering into trade work demands a passion for the trade in question.
- Our educational institutions do not train us in a certain kind of knowledge, but rather a habit of flexibility.
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