35 pages 1 hour read

Matthew B. Crawford

Shop Class as Soulcraft

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Shop Class as Soulcraft, Matthew B. Crawford, a mechanic with a doctorate in philosophy, emphasizes the value of vocational work, critiquing society's shift towards college-prep education while underscoring what we lose by devaluing manual labor. He argues for a deeper connection with tangible tasks and shares his experiences to illustrate how working with one's hands fosters problem-solving, creativity, and self-reliance.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Matthew B. Crawford's Shop Class as Soulcraft resonates with readers for its thoughtful exploration of manual labor's philosophical and practical merits. Praised for blending personal narrative with social critique, the book sometimes overgeneralizes modern work cultures, yet successfully champions the self-sufficiency and satisfaction in skilled trades.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shop Class as Soulcraft?

Readers who appreciate Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig or Walden by Henry David Thoreau will enjoy Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew B. Crawford. This book appeals to those interested in philosophy, manual labor, and the search for meaning in a technology-driven world.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Religion / Spirituality

Education

Business / Economics

Themes

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Genre

Education

Psychology

Philosophy