Some haphazard thoughts:

*”Can policies or cultural norms be developed to encourage craftsmanship?” This is a fascinating question. I’m pondering taking a class this spring called “Philosophical Problems of Economic Justice.” The final project is to design your own economic system that you think promotes your idea of social justice and value. Could be really interesting to use this as a jumping-off point.

*Ever since Western History 101 in college, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking that it seems capitalism and communism are flawed in mirror image ways: one takes too much account of individuality, the other not enough. I’ve wondered if the reason American capitalist culture is so materialistic (or, anti-craft) is not because we value speed and profit (though we do) but because we place too much value on going it alone/competition/etc. The sense of community you spell out that’s necessary for craftsmanship to be fostered is almost anathema to the ideal of the American Dream.

*(Maybe this belongs as a comment on your Virtuosity post, but for convenience sake I’m putting it here) Given your ambivalence about higher education, I’m interested to hear what you think about Uwem Akpan’s description of his experience in the MFA program at Michigan:

“This has been my first experience of workshops. The group is very close-knit; the teachers are always there for us. I don’t know how they do it, because they are also novelists and poets and parents. They always have time to read our stuff and offer a shoulder to the broken-hearted.”

On one hand, these can be pretty competitive programs to get into. On the other, this is a good example of the state funding craftsman mentorship programs to me, no? Is maybe one utility of universities in the new century to be a place where craftsmanship (as opposed to virtuosity) is practiced?

*I found myself thinking back to our conversation in Ljubljana about whether specific types of people (actors, athletes) could be considered crafts(wo)men if they weren’t really “producing” anything even though they approach their work with the same ideals. Now that you’ve read the book (and since, in your virtuosity post, you’re talking specifically about competition between countries–no bigger competition btwn countries than the Olympics) I’m wondering if you have more thoughts on that question?

*Having read this post while at my mom’s house, I couldn’t help but think about the relationship between craftsmanship and frugality. I was going back and forth on whether they were complementary or opposed ideas. With frugality, there’s a sense of utility as the highest good that I’m not sure is in line with doing your best work for its sake alone. On the other hand, frugality really values something that’s made well, and frugal people are often willing to pay more for something they know is a better product because they know that it has lasting value. Since I think you embody the virtues of both craftsmanship and frugality, I’m wondering if you have thoughts.