The Craftsman by Richard Sennett

For the first of my #weeklyreads, I decided I had to start with the book that first pulled me in to my mild obsession with the notions of craftsmanship and its importance. And whether you read my summary or not, I highly recommend this book to anyone in craft and conservation.

Sennett's work "places the philosophy of craft on a pedestal, something modern society has long neglected"

In #thecraftsman, Sennett explores the concept of craftsmanship as a fundamental human activity - one that fosters skill, dedication, and a sense of purpose. The arguments presented reveal that craftsmanship can encompass far more than traditional trades and crafts; it includes any work done with care and attention to detail. In many ways, it places the philosophy of craft on a pedestal, something modern society has long neglected.

I’m particularly drawn to Sennett’s emphasis on craftsmanship involving a deep engagement with one’s work, providing a sense of fulfillment and suggesting this as a primordial aspect of identity. Throughout the book, he examines the ideas that contemporary work environments and practices often prioritize efficiency—more accurately, commercial productivity—over quality and a job well done. The results? Alienation—alienation of thought and deed, hand and mind.

By promoting the idea of craftsmanship, Sennett advocates for the value of creating meaningful work that connects individuals to their skills and the materials they use. This was my first exposure to a real understanding of the importance of materiality in craft and conservation.

Ultimately, the book suggests that embracing and nurturing a resurgence of craftsmanship can enhance both personal satisfaction and societal cohesion. The concepts of craftsmanship can encourage a commitment to quality and the development of lasting skills, which are far more in tune with our cultural experiences and needs.

The Craftsman is my go to suggestion to anyone and what led me to many of the books I’ll explore later in my #weeklyreads series.

#books #bookreview #theheritageexplorer #craftsmanship #craftmatters #craftsmanshipmatters #booksuggestions #conservationphilosophy #philosophyofcraftsmanship #weeklyreads #weeklyread #weeklycraftmanshipread #weeklyconservationread