“Broadly, the revival implies a rebellion against inutilities, a conviction that machinery must be relegated to its proper place as the tool and not the master of the workman, that the life of the producer is to the community a more vital consideration than the cheap production which ignores it, and that thus the human and ethical considerations that insist on the individuality of the workman are of the first importance.”
— C.R. Ashbee, “An Endeavour Towards the Teachings of John Ruskin and William Morris”
“that the life of the producer is to the community a more vital consideration than the cheap production which ignores it” True today more than ever, yet here we are living in almost complete apposition to Ruskin’s vision. Our lives are far too insular.
Ok,
I’ve read through Anarchist’s Tool Chest (ATC) once so far, and I did it with alacrity the first time. I was so very excited and greatful to have ATC in hand, that I darn near sped read it!
But I had to stop repeatedly to reread passages that were almost alegorical. I will expand upon that later, in a post I am writing, but suffice it to say that there is much more to the book than what tools to use, how to use a particular tool, or how to build a box that holds the tools.
I think Chris has hit upon a particularly vexing issue, one that I think troubles many of us. Many might not be able to put their finger on it, but they know in their gut that something is wrong. ATC aproaches it through the “Tool Chest” and what constitutes craftmanship and a life well led.
“… the life of the producer …”
Yes, the life.
That is what The Anarchist’s Tool Chest is all about.
The life you lead.
Thanks Chris…
For everything.
Albert
Zabul Province, Afghanistan
I’ll hold off on commenting on the philosophy for now, except to say that with the world population skyrocketing, we won’t all be turning into lone artisans trading benches for butter any time soon. We need efficient machines just to clothe and feed the masses.
I will compliment the editorial integrity of the book. So far I have not found one typo or missing word, or some other such nonsense.
I recently finished Jim Tolpin’s new book. Although I liked the material, I was quite a bit peeved at the number of typos and word gaffs.
Scott,
What I hope is clear from the book is that it is not a philosophy. It is not a call for ludditism (that’s not a word!). It is not an argument for bearskins and knives.
I am not Tyler Durden.
It’s about one person – me – finding my place in the world. The Afterword says it better than I can in a comment.
I am very much enjoying the book so far, and it’s causing a some re-examination of what tools I currently have, and need.
As well as some tools I want to make.
I’m pretty confident this book will have a major impact on the Hand Tool users crowd. I look forward to it.
I have only just started into the ATC book, but the quote above made me think of my work in software. We often let the quest for “more powerful tools” get in our way in my vocation. I think junking up an interface is always a mistake be it a GUI. a work surface, or a cabinet door.