Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman

Why We Make Things is a book of introspection, history, scholarship, and enlightenment. Peter Korn deftly weaves stories of self, others, craft, and minds into a compelling and riveting narrative. In light of today’s widespread “Maker Movement”—most of it centered on digital tools—it is illuminating to return to physical making for insights into craft as a form of self-fashioning wherein each of us, through human effort and creativity, can put our own personal spin on tradition and, in turn, transform tradition, ourselves, and, perhaps, society as well. The claims in the book about mind and meaning are all empirically well supported in current research, though Korn does not belabor this fact. However, the book goes beyond facts that are true to discuss facts that matter. In the end, the book exemplifies something that scholarship is only now coming to realize: mind, emotion, values, and the self all merge and reinforce each other in the act of mindful making. The book is artfully written and is a fully engaging read. In my own view, we live today in the midst of many crises because we have forgotten—often in the pursuit of greed and ideology—that the world “talks back” when you act on it and that failing to listen to it with respect is dangerous for body and soul. Why We Make Things lovingly shows how we can listen to things to become better people.

Party life story, party philosophy of life - how a creator interacts with the world and finds meaning and fulfillment.

Peter Korn lays himself out for this work that delves deep, very deep, into the need for craft and our interaction with it as creators and observers. If you have ever made anything with your heart or hands there is often an unrealized connection to the world that most of us forget to thank, and Peter explains it beautifully.

This book, may require a second read, or it might not?My tendency when going through books, is to underline and highlight the heck out of em. I consider them valuable tools to use. I want to reflect as I go, rather than go back through a whole book.This book, that didn't happen too much.The reason I bought this book, and I imagine a lot of people would be in the same boat, as far as buying decisions go.. was I was hoping that it would point me in the right direction, as far as "life choices" go..like, on the journey that we call life, I was hoping that this would be a helpful guidepost on that trail. Don't get me wrong, I picked up some nuggets of wisdom, but I didn't really get pointed in any direction.The biggest thing I probably took away from the book is this:-If given the opportunity, or if you can create it.. flounder about in life. Try new things, hobby's, interest, and see what sticks. You may not gain exactly what you want from these 'actions' but you will gain something, and taking action is the most important thing you can do.-Also, life will poop on you.. hardcore sometimes. Its not personal. Its just life relieving itself. I honest to god feel sorry for the author, but maybe it was Karma or something?Anyways, the book was okay. It was worth the money, and the time to read through it. But the Main title and the sub-title really should be reversed. I think that would give more an accurate picture on what the book is about.

An excellent read. I couldn’t put it down. The author takes us along his journey to a purpose filled life, including all the bumps and bruises along the way. He shares triumphs and failures in work and relationships that evolved from those choices. It is clear that the road did not always take him where he hoped, or maybe expected. It is both brutally honest and painful at times, yet heartwarming and funny. Neither A how-to promoting life as a craftsman or polemic against society, I found it a perfect example of..” you don’t always get what you want, but sometimes, you get what you need”. I finished the book, lost in thought and wishing the author well. Definetly a read that I will share with friends and family.

Loved this, especially the more memoir-oriented portions (which, admittedly, surprised me). It's difficult to imagine that Korn could be a better woodworker than he is a writer, or a thinker.

This book is an excellent combination of a personal narrative, and a philosophical viewpoint. Peter Korn tries to answer a very fundamental question, which is a tall order in the first place. It is also a question that is unlikely to have a single answer. This makes his attempt at answering the question that much more commendable.I liked the initial 2/3 of the book better since it is based on personal experience, and I was able to connect with the narrative better. The later portions of the book become a bit too philosophical for my taste.However, all in all, a very engaging reading, and the the book does effectively answer the question it seeks out to.

If you are looking for how to or are put off by someone thinking deeply about himself and his work you won't like it. If that interests you then it's a great book. I highly recommend it but I AM a nerd so . . . It is very well written, thoughtful, careful, not dismissive of the reader. But he's not trying to convince you of anyting or sell an idea or philosophy- at least I didn't read i that way. If you are into craft and thinking about it it's a good read.

This personal journey is a fabulous and enlightening exploration of craft and creative thought. Much more than a book about making furniture.

This little book is for anyone who has made things or wants to make things. The author is a furniture maker, but that is not important, as it's about the compulsion to make the world and what it takes to produce things of quality. The most interesting, and perhaps unexpected part , is that it highlights the importance of making things to the maker. In that, it is more about a way or living - something very relevant to today. The sort of book you want to give to all of your friends - so that they can share the joy and wisdom.

I enjoyed this book, the same as I enjoy making things. Well worth a read, the story is of the author’s life journey and an important one showing the value in being a craftsperson irrespective of what that craft is.

good book

Excellent livre