Man and Woman: Sexual Difference and the Political Order

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.

In 'Why We Drive,' Matthew B. Crawford blends philosophy and hands-on storytelling to explore the significance of driving in human life. The book delves into Crawford's own experiences restoring a vintage Volkswagen and his journeys through various automotive subcultures. It is a meditation on the competence of ordinary people, the rewards of 'folk engineering,' and the existential value of driving. Crawford argues against the trend of self-driving cars, highlighting the importance of human agency and the battle for democratic self-determination against surveillance capitalists. The book is a celebration of the human spirit and the freedom associated with driving.