Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Pleasure of Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship names an enduring, basic human impulse, the desire to do a job well for its own sake.
Richard Sennett, American sociologist in The Craftsman (2008)

This evening I received a beautiful gift. Gazing upon the care and craftsmanship of its creation brings such pleasure.

Such care has been taken in selecting the wood and in coupling the various parts. With the stain perfectly matching my dining room table, made by a friend years ago, it is an appreciated addition to my little abode. I can only surmise that the Mennonite carpenters responsible for this fine sideboard share the view of Martin Luther:
The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.


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