Part 2 : Tool = Craft is False
In the series on Career-less lifestyle and stories of underemployment, this is the second piece. For many of you, the headline is self-explanatory. Those who resonate also run the risk of forwarding without reading. Those who disagree or just felt intrigued, you are welcome. What do I mean by tool doesn’t equal craft? Does it mean learning software and applying mind are two different things? Does it mean that gardening is first about the garden and then about the equipment? Does it mean writing is not about your handwriting or the font type….and I can keep presenting numerous examples. All of these stand true.
The metaphor can be extended to contexts where the tool is intangible, which is not the case in most popular scenarios that one would imagine on reading the term. For instance, what is passion? What is discipline? What is a team? All are tools for enabling craft. Yes, both are not mutually exclusive and a craftsperson would attest the fact that knowing and engaging the tool sharpens your craft. In principle, craft enables and tool enables craft.
However, when you get complacent with the tool and your so called expertise, experience and excellence, it is then you distance craft. Classical musicians from India emphasize on Riyaz = practice. Monks and Preists follow rituals and rules. Criminals and anti-social elements also follow a lifestyle towards their goals.
The fundamental nature of human condition is such that the trinity of tool, craft and lifestyle only guarantee growth. Nowadays, let’s add relevance in this list too. This Trinity can be hack for you to overcome existential crisis or pursue clarity for your existential purpose. How?
If you don’t know what your purpose is in life then start from lifestyle, tool or craft that you would like to learn about. Define craft as you deem fit. There would be a corresponding tool and lifestyle around the craft. Mind you, there is no high ground in considering arts or modern professions are crafts alone. Operating MS-Excel or tidying the house or collecting gum from tree barks can also qualify as craft. If you already know the craft then it would be easier for you. Ask yourself what tools and what lifestyle would strengthen your craft. A dynamic relationship between the trinity elements is an ongoing process. Some religions define it as Karma, some call it Destiny, some may call it Being. What’s your Being?
