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.

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.

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.

Interesting topic. The book started out strong with very good observations about craft and the people that make it up. Towards the middle it was getting way too philosophical for me. Korn seemed to get bogged down in semantics more and more as the chapters progressed. The liberal dosing of thesaurus words added too much fluff .... "like this1 and this2 and this3"; doesn't take 3 repetitive words to make a point. I started losing interest and barely made it to the end. Honestly couldn't tell you what the last few chapters were about as my eyes glazed over. I think with some judicious editing of all the fluff, it'd be an easier and more enjoyable read.

If you are a creative person you'll love this book and if you aren't a creative person who has wondered why some craftspeople are so passionate about their work in spite of some of the hardships they face you will find this little book will open your eyes and your mind. Mr. Korn has written a wonderful story of his own career but everything he illustrates is true of any dedicated artist/craftsperson. He takes you through his own career and along the way explains why making is such an inherent need of humans. Buy it read it and share what you learn. Those of us who have taken this path will find confirmation that we've done the right thing for our selves and for those of us who have lost touch with their creative sides will find an explanation of why they ought to tap back into making!

Just as Robert Pirsig became the voice of a generation, Peter Korn reminds us in his new and important book to slow down and get our hands dirty; he reminds us that bringing ourselves into relationship with the stuff of art, be it paint, words or wood, resonates at a deep level and satisfies in a way that nothing else in our fast lane modern lives can. As he does in his own wood-working school in Maine, he teaches that it isn't necessarily about talent, but it is necessarily about connecting to our deeper selves. He has fought to walk his talk in a life that hasn't always been easy, and his book deserves every star I can give it.

I enjoyed reading Peter Korn's book. His coming of age after college working on houses then on to pursue furniture making intrigued and gave me pause in my own idealism. To hear his experiences of sacrifice and changes to get to a place of making a live able earning while finding satisfaction in his craft, I admire his confession through writing of how this journey has been worthwhile.

This is a wonderful book for any crafts-person, regardless of the craft. After decades of doing handwork (mostly textiles) without evening thinking, I began to wonder why I need this work so much. Why does handwork feel like a form of breathing to me? What are we doing when we craft, really? This book put into words, and validated, experiences that remained hidden and undervalued to me. Chapter six, in particular, has become something of a personal manifesto, and I plan on rereading it every year. His unique personal story humanizes the insightful and potentially ethereal philosophy of the book. This book is an absolute gift.

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.

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.

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

good book

Buen libro