Men were not intended to work with the accuracy of tools, to be precise and perfect in all their actions

Men were not intended to work with the accuracy of tools, to be precise and perfect in all their actions

John Ruskin, a prominent English art critic and social thinker of the 19th century, believed that men were not intended to work with the accuracy of tools, to be precise and perfect in all their actions. Ruskin's philosophy on craftsmanship and workmanship was deeply rooted in his belief that human beings were inherently flawed and imperfect, and that this imperfection was what made them truly human.

Ruskin argued that the pursuit of perfection and precision in work was a misguided and ultimately futile endeavor. He believed that the true value of craftsmanship lay in its imperfections, in the unique and individual qualities that each artisan brought to their work. Ruskin saw the hand of the craftsman as an extension of their soul, imbuing their creations with a sense of humanity and authenticity that could never be achieved through mechanical precision.

In his seminal work, "The Stones of Venice," Ruskin extolled the virtues of medieval craftsmanship, praising the rough-hewn beauty of Gothic architecture and decrying the soulless perfection of modern industrial production. He believed that the true value of craftsmanship lay in its imperfections, in the quirks and idiosyncrasies that made each piece unique and special.

Ruskin's ideas on craftsmanship were deeply influential in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sought to revive traditional craftsmanship in the face of industrialization and mass production. The movement emphasized the importance of handcrafted goods and the value of individual creativity and expression in the making of objects.