What sort of notion gets a favorable nod from such seemingly distant corners of the universe as the Washington State Labor Council and the National Association of Manufacturers? Mention of a new book by philosopher and motorcycle repair shop owner Matthew Crawford, Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work. KPLU's Bellamy Pailthorp has an audio blurb on it this morning, described thusly:
Mastery of a blue collar craft can provide a livelihood that not only pays well, but also challenges the intellect. And it's work that can't be outsourced. Yet schools today still try to steer everyone toward college. A new book seeks to restore the honor of the manual trades as a life worth choosing. It's called "Shop Class as Soulcraft" and its author, Matthew B. Crawford, holds a PhD in Philosophy - but has chosen to work most of his days getting his hands dirty.
AWB's Don Brunell has written about this topic in Washington, most recently here and here. It's very interesting. Your undersigned has a degree in philosophy, and a law degree -- but can barely change the oil or assemble pre-fabricated furniture. I didn't take any shop classes but the older I get the more I wish I had.
