Craft is its own reward
Time to read
, 348 words, 2nd grade
One of our founders has an old friend. The two of them used to work together as welders and fitters — and teachers of welding and fitting — for many years.
Around the time the friend retired from welding, he decided to become a luthier.
Meaning: he decided to make and repair string instruments, such as violins and cellos. By hand. From scratch.
He was getting on in years, but arenʼt we all?
He had no prior experience, except that he had, of course, worked with his hands as a welder. He knew that he was never going to be Antonio Stradivari, or even notable. And he knew that he was unlikely to make a full-time living from it.
How can a person take pride in his work when skill and care are considered luxuries! Weʼre not machines! We have a human need for craftsmanship!
But he did it anyway. He worked at it assiduously. His first efforts werenʼt bad, but they werenʼt great either. Still, he got better and better at it. He has since taken on some big challenges. Literally. Think double basses.
This man is never going to be Antonio Stradivari. But thatʼs OK. His work sells OK, and he loves the craft of it.
He loves he touch of the wood. He loves the joy he feels as the instrument begins to take shape. He loves the pleasure of adding the final touches.
There is no rush.
How can we make sure we wind up behind the right door when the going gets tough? The answer is: craftsmanship.
This is what we Craft Coders are looking for in our coding efforts. Not that craft code wonʼt sell. Not that one cannot make a living from it: we have! But that we are not doing it for the money.
We do it for the love of doing truly skilled work. Of working daily to get just a wee bit better at it.