Six years ago, at 40, I realised I needed a change. I didn’t know what that would look like, but I couldn’t deny my circumstances. I tried several new things many of which didn’t stick, but I picked up valuable skills in the process. Nothing was wasted.
Welcome to The Daily Article archive. Here’s where you’ll find previous issues of The Daily Article where I share my thoughts on life, work and the pursuit of happiness. Topics I regularly write on include the psychology of creativity and human behaviour, the nature of work, small business and society & culture. If you enjoy Sunday Letters you’ll enjoy these short daily writings.
A Return to Craft Based Work
We don’t know how to use our hands and our bodies any more. We can’t make things, practical things. We don’t know how to grow food, to fix a roof, or build a wall. Some of us do, but many of us don’t. A return to making things by hand could be a route to that change, greater meaning and purpose, and a happier life.
All of A Sudden You’re There
We’re all going to leave this place. There’s nobody getting out alive, therefore, we have no option if we are to be happy in our work or any place else. So get into it, put the head down and the blinkers on…
Chomsky on Controlling Your Own Work
I listen and read Noam Chomsky regularly. I find his commentary on the structure of social order, economics, and politics right on point. The political establishment in the 60s and 70s didn’t like him very much, but these days they largely ignore him. The mainstream media no longer report his work. I listened to an audio clip of him talking about work. In it, he addresses the idea that people have the right to control their own work.
How Quiet It Has Become
Their song It seemed louder and deeper than before. Like as if every branch of every tree held a blackbird. Someone told me that because there is so little traffic on the roads and less human activity generally, it means the birds can complete their entire song, not just a small part.
Enjoying Work For Its Own Sake
What stood out for me in this book was the constant reference to doing work for its own sake. The value in the detail of the work and its contribution towards happiness seemed immeasurable, and in fact, imperative in the achievement of success. Success appeared to be a by product for the people he interviewed. The never set out to be successful, they just enjoyed the challenge of the work.
The Making of Machines
This survival of the fittest, throw-away capitalist consumerist culture of ours insists our work must have commercial value. It’s killing the creative spirit and makes machines of people. Don’t sacrifice your humanity. Don’t become a machine.