Over the past few months, I've found myself drawn to books acutely concerned with the philosophy of work. These books delve into the ideas of what everyday life's seemingly mundane yet profound habits mean to work hard at a worthy cause and deliver a product that exceeds expectations. While most philosophy types wrestle with the metaphysical and esoteric, the philosophy of work deals with the seemingly mundane yet profound habits of everyday life.
Traditionally, hard work has been associated with blue-collar workers saturated in sweat, grime, and long hours filled with profanity-laden conversation. That image often earns the workers a brand of anti-intellectualism that avoids the domain of big words and confusing topics. However, Marcus Aurelius challenged people to “waste no more time debating what a good man should be and be one.” I've come to realize that many blue-collar workers embody Marcus’s sentiment.
Even after the drumbeat of decades, "The Old Man and the Sea" still offers a wellspring of continuous inspiration. The small book preaches profound sermons on the struggle and pursuit of excellence, even in the face of incredible adversity. It reflects on the meaning of the human experience, facing challenges and striving for greatness, knowing that one's accomplishments may be torn apart by others and ultimately forgotten.
I believe that some of the most unassuming places in our society, like blue-collar jobs, can hold profound wisdom. They are like oysters, containing some of the finest pearls of wisdom that modern society has produced. The following videos, hopefully, will be as impactful for you as they were for me. I would like you to share your insights with me. After all, the best way for us to learn is together.
Start with Your Why
A close friend of mine revealed that this song is one of his favorites. I've witnessed him consistently bettering the world despite facing significant opposition. This song serves as a metaphor, reminding us that we have a duty to constantly defend what we hold dear, much like our ancestors defended their territories against literal wolves and starvation. Today, our struggles are more figurative, but we still have to push back against different manifestations of malevolence. Albeit they no longer come in the form of dogs, they are often more dangerous.
On Quality
Sometime back, I discovered a genuine appreciation for Scot Wadsworth’s monologues. He's a skilled craftsman, primarily in rough carpentry, with a side interest in blacksmithing. I find it intriguing that someone dedicated to manual labor seeks recreation in more challenging manual tasks. I know there is a lesson, but it eludes my understanding. I admire his approach to prioritizing the quality of his work and valuing the end product more than monetary compensation. He embodies the mindset of the best craftsman I've ever seen, although they may not have explicitly stated it. I want to express my gratitude to him for extracting universal truths from life and articulating them in a way that encourages discussion, examination, and emulation by those who may lack such examples.
Be On Time
One key aspect of work is showing up on time and being ready to go. While many things about a person's work habits or ethics can be forgiven, consistently being late is particularly detrimental. People often fail to realize that lateness is not just a single event; it's a reflection of a broader system of priorities in your life. Being late suggests a lack of consideration for others and a degree of selfishness. It shows a disregard for taking care of yourself, such as going to bed on time, waking up promptly, and organizing your day. By neglecting these essential self-care habits, you hinder your ability to care for others effectively. Despite our potential differences in philosophical, theological, and political beliefs, at the very least, Van and I prioritize punctuality and showing up early to address our disagreements.
Hone the Edge.