Matthew B. Crawford Libri

From the author of the landmark "Shop Class as Soulcraft," a brilliant, first-of-its-kind celebration of driving as a unique pathway of human freedom, one now critically threatened by automation. Once we were drivers, the open road alive with autonomy, adventure, danger, trust, and speed. Today we are as likely to be in the back seat of an Uber as behind the wheel ourselves. Tech giants are hurling us toward a shiny, happy self-driving future, selling utopia but equally keen to advertise to a captive audience strapped into another expensive device. Are we destined, then, to become passengers, not drivers? "Why We Drive" reveals that much more may be at stake than we might think. Ten years ago, in the New York Times-bestselling "Shop Class as Soulcraft," philosopher-mechanic Matthew B. Crawford -- a University of Chicago PhD who owned his own motorcycle shop -- made a revolutionary case for manual labor, one that ran headlong against the pretensions of white-collar office work. Now, using driving as a window through which to view the broader changes wrought by technology on all aspects of contemporary life, Crawford investigates the driver's seat as one of the few remaining domains of skill, exploration, play -- and freedom. Blending philosophy and hands-on storytelling, Crawford grounds the narrative in his own experience in the garage and behind the wheel, recounting his decade-long restoration of a vintage Volkswagen as well as his journeys to thriving automotive subcultures across the country. Crawford leads us on an irreverent but deeply considered inquiry into the power of faceless bureaucracies, the importance of questioning mindless rules, and the battle for democratic self-determination against the surveillance capitalists. A meditation on the competence of ordinary people, "Why We Drive" explores the genius of our everyday practices on the road, the rewards of 'folk engineering', and the existential value of occasionally being scared shitless. Witty and ingenious throughout, "Why We Drive" is a rebellious and daring celebration of the irrepressible human spirit

Exploring the challenge of mastering one's own mind, this follow-up to a bestselling work delves into the importance of mental competence in today's world. Matthew B. Crawford examines the complexities of attention and awareness, addressing how modern distractions impact our ability to engage meaningfully with our surroundings. This thought-provoking book highlights the urgent need for individuals to cultivate mental mastery in an increasingly chaotic environment.

"Crawford investigates the challenge of mastering one's own mind by showing that our current crisis of attention is only superficially the result of digital technology, and certain assumptions at the root of Western culture are the root of the cause"--Publisher information.

Why do some jobs offer fulfilment while others leave us frustrated? In this inspiring and persuasive book, Matthew Crawford brings to life the immense psychological and intellectual satisfactions of making and fixing things, arguing that the skilled manual trades may be one of the few sure paths to a good living.

A philosopher and mechanic extolls the virtues of manual labor, describing how the satisfactions and challenges of creating with one's own hands promotes a sense of connection to life that office work suppresses.

The book delves into the struggle of mastering one's mind amidst modern distractions and the pervasive influence of capitalism. It emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing what truly matters by fostering meaningful connections with both objects and people. The exploration encourages readers to reclaim focus in their lives, advocating for a return to deeper, more intentional engagement with their surroundings to achieve personal flourishing.

In this wise and often funny book, a philosopher/mechanic systematically destroys the pretensions of the high-prestige workplace and makes an irresistible case for working with one's hands.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Matthew Crawford offers a comprehensive guide to the gladiolus, from its history to its cultivation. This book is a must-read for green thumbs and flower enthusiasts alike.

The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its original content while acknowledging potential imperfections like marks and notations due to its age. It is offered to highlight its cultural significance, reflecting a commitment to protecting and promoting literature through accessible, high-quality editions that remain faithful to the original.