The World Beyond Your Head

Crawford highlights the intricate craft of pipe organ making, exemplified by the work of George Taylor, John Boody, and their team in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. This team is deeply embedded in the rich tradition of organ making, a practice requiring extensive knowledge and skill passed down through generations of apprenticeships. The artisans at Taylor and Boody not only maintain historical techniques but also engage innovatively with tradition to improve their craft.

Crawford uses this setting to discuss broader themes about craftsmanship and the modern workforce. He criticizes the current educational and economic systems that favor generic skills and flexibility over deep, specialized knowledge. Contrary to the prevalent belief in continuous disruption, Crawford argues that engagement with a specific craft can foster both intellectual and moral growth. This is seen in how the craftsmen at Taylor and Boody derive meaning and a sense of continuity from their work, contributing to a tradition that links them with both past and future generations.

Furthermore, Crawford discusses the economic context, noting a resurgence of interest in specialty manufacturing in the US, where advanced digital tools have revitalized traditional crafts by lowering the costs of prototyping and manufacturing. He suggests that such developments allow for a new kind of economy where small-scale, high-skill manufacturing could thrive, providing a counter-narrative to mass production.