Great post, Riccardo and Eric! That IKEA effect idea is a great one -- I've been trying to articulate that at work but I think you've given me the words to do so more effectively so thank you!
Regarding physical things, I think you are right, it does enhance our appreciation for them. I've always lived handmade things and even more so the concept of beauty in decay. So much so that I'm trying to remake my desk that'll connect me to that decay in a way!
Thank you a lot!! The IKEA idea by Eric (and the way of explaining it) is absolutely important as you were just saying. Thank you for sharing your opinion too!
As you pointed out, this trend is already underway and will likely intensify. The abundance of digital and AI-generated content drives us to seek uniqueness, often in handcrafted or physical items. There's an inherent value we ascribe to things we can touch and experience tangibly.
While digital and AI technologies are in their early maturity phase and offer enough novelty to capture our attention, this cycle may again be transient. Almost everything undergoes phases of hype, widespread use, and eventual decline.
One insightful read on this subject is Matthew B. Crawford's 'Shop Class as Soulcraft.' Crawford challenges the prevailing notion that everyone should aspire to be a 'knowledge worker' and instead advocates for a renewed appreciation of skilled manual labor. His book delves into the challenges and joys of working with one's hands, highlighting the intrinsic value of craftsmanship and its satisfaction.
I am not against using technology; I use it wherever it can help me complete mundane tasks faster. However, we should not outsource our thinking to technology and accept anything at face value.
This is such an important theme right now and why I recently started writing 'Drafter' on Substack. Im particularly interested in exploring how automation should (not) be applied to writing.
Great post, Riccardo and Eric! That IKEA effect idea is a great one -- I've been trying to articulate that at work but I think you've given me the words to do so more effectively so thank you!
Regarding physical things, I think you are right, it does enhance our appreciation for them. I've always lived handmade things and even more so the concept of beauty in decay. So much so that I'm trying to remake my desk that'll connect me to that decay in a way!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts — I’m intrigued by the changes you’re making to your desk!
I might do a series of posts when I start on them, so will let you know then!!
Thank you a lot!! The IKEA idea by Eric (and the way of explaining it) is absolutely important as you were just saying. Thank you for sharing your opinion too!
As you pointed out, this trend is already underway and will likely intensify. The abundance of digital and AI-generated content drives us to seek uniqueness, often in handcrafted or physical items. There's an inherent value we ascribe to things we can touch and experience tangibly.
While digital and AI technologies are in their early maturity phase and offer enough novelty to capture our attention, this cycle may again be transient. Almost everything undergoes phases of hype, widespread use, and eventual decline.
One insightful read on this subject is Matthew B. Crawford's 'Shop Class as Soulcraft.' Crawford challenges the prevailing notion that everyone should aspire to be a 'knowledge worker' and instead advocates for a renewed appreciation of skilled manual labor. His book delves into the challenges and joys of working with one's hands, highlighting the intrinsic value of craftsmanship and its satisfaction.
I am not against using technology; I use it wherever it can help me complete mundane tasks faster. However, we should not outsource our thinking to technology and accept anything at face value.
Well said! Thanks for sharing.
Lovely article - i just read it on this quiet sunday morning after also reading Nicholas Carr on a similar theme; https://www.newcartographies.com/p/the-love-that-lays-the-swale-in-rows...
This is such an important theme right now and why I recently started writing 'Drafter' on Substack. Im particularly interested in exploring how automation should (not) be applied to writing.
I look forward to more of the same from you guys.