#1041
Mentioned in 36 episodes

Shop class as soulcraft

an inquiry into the value of work
Book • 2009
In 'Shop Class as Soulcraft,' Matthew B. Crawford argues that the manual trades offer a unique form of intellectual and personal satisfaction.

He critiques modern society's emphasis on 'knowledge work' and the devaluation of manual labor, highlighting the cognitive demands and personal fulfillment that come from working with one's hands.

Crawford draws on his own experiences as a motorcycle mechanic and philosopher to illustrate the importance of craftsmanship, self-reliance, and the integration of thinking and doing in meaningful work.

The book challenges consumerist culture and advocates for a more humane economy that values and rewards meaningful labor.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 36 episodes

Mentioned by
undefined
Cal Newport
as an influential book exploring the value of craftsmanship and manual labor.
2,229 snips
Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols
Mentioned by
undefined
Cal Newport
, referring to Crawford's ideas about the deep satisfactions of work that involves physical engagement and skill.
762 snips
Ep. 363: Escaping the Digital Doldrums
Mentioned by
undefined
Brett McKay
and Stephen Knepper in the context of similar critiques of modern life and the commodification of attention.
463 snips
Auto-Exploitation, Positive Violence, and the Palliative Society: A Modern Philosopher’s Ideas for Making Sense of the Present Age
Mentioned by
undefined
Bobby Jamieson
when talking about an ethic of craft and the influence of Matthew Crawford's book.
460 snips
Ecclesiastes on Enjoying Our Weirdly Unsatisfying Lives
Mentioned by
undefined
Cal Newport
in discussing the satisfactions of skilled manual trades when reflecting on T.K.'s electrician comment.
419 snips
Ep. 395: Should I Try a “Social Media Pause”?
Mentioned by
undefined
Brett McKay
in the context of agency and autonomy.
152 snips
Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic Life
Mentioned by
undefined
Cal Newport
in the context of alternative career paths.
141 snips
Ep. 171: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout?
Recommended by a guest as thought-provoking reading for self-reflection.
133 snips
Guilt, imposter syndrome & doing good: 16 past guests share their mental health journeys
Mentioned by
undefined
Jacob Imam
, referencing Matthew Crawford's work on the role of advertising.
104 snips
Is The University System Dead? (Jacob Imam)
Mentioned by
undefined
Brett McKay
in relation to similar themes explored in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
102 snips
A Guide to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app