As a long time amateur carpenter (and plumber, electrician, landscaper, etc...) this resonates. Was recently spending a bit of time with Pirsig's work myself. His wife published a series of essays/excerpts on quality a few years ago and it's interesting.
Nice work, Adam! This hits. I built a sauna in my backyard in 2021. It's no Bob Villa masterpiece, but it's no piece of shit either. My wife and I use it religiously and I got a lot of joy out of building it. Of course, it wasn't always joyful in the process, it was frustrating. But a fleeting feeling in the joy of completion. Creation. Be it carpentry, a novel, a child, or cookies from scratch, each holds its own level of gratification. I'm addicted to it. It's spiritual for me, and each act brings me closer to my Creator. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and my efforts are beyond infinitesimal in comparison, but it warms my soul doing it, so I'll never stop. You have a gift for it, Adam. Don't stop either.
As a long time amateur carpenter (and plumber, electrician, landscaper, etc...) this resonates. Was recently spending a bit of time with Pirsig's work myself. His wife published a series of essays/excerpts on quality a few years ago and it's interesting.
Yes, that's a great book! It was nice to see his thoughts evolve over time.
Really enjoyed reading your sojourn into carpentry. Keep it up! With the proper tutelage, your will graduate to skilled carpenter then master!!!
Nice work, Adam! This hits. I built a sauna in my backyard in 2021. It's no Bob Villa masterpiece, but it's no piece of shit either. My wife and I use it religiously and I got a lot of joy out of building it. Of course, it wasn't always joyful in the process, it was frustrating. But a fleeting feeling in the joy of completion. Creation. Be it carpentry, a novel, a child, or cookies from scratch, each holds its own level of gratification. I'm addicted to it. It's spiritual for me, and each act brings me closer to my Creator. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and my efforts are beyond infinitesimal in comparison, but it warms my soul doing it, so I'll never stop. You have a gift for it, Adam. Don't stop either.
Thank you my Brother!
Excellent.