My most recent blog post, I wrote a short argument for why I was in favor of seeing craftsmanship integrate with one’s life. I believe that to be true, deeply in my heart. However, like everything else, tradeoffs exist. I want to take this blog post to explore some of the downsides to daily work so that those eager to take their work to the next level understand why some would never follow. While it’s easy to dismiss those who don’t want to rise to the stratosphere as lazy, scared, or incorrect in their thinking, I want to challenge the more pro-relentlessness perspective in a way that I hope is enlightening.
With that in mind, let’s get into some arguments against a pro-relentlessness perspective.
I think solace and apotheosis are two sides of the same coin. One hears the analogy of crabs in a bucket pulling each other down quite a bit in today’s discourse. The crab that escapes is by itself, lonely. The thing about summits is that only the few have the focus and longevity to get there. Every step of the way sheds camaraderie for excellence. As you strive for greatness, it becomes harder to relate to those you knew in previous lives. Fear and responsibility are your friends. Fear because growth is painful, and responsibility because no one else is in the position to do what you must. Excellence is a burden, and while maybe desirable, some will not see themselves able to take it alone.
Another risk of daily work is obsession, something that both gives and takes away. In order to achieve depth, to pull the sword out of the stone, you must give up dreams of being anything other than yourself. Many fancy themselves potential geniuses, athletes, diplomats, and politicians. Unfortunately, there is only one master you can serve faithfully. Those who bring sizzling speed to basketball don’t become co-founders at Google, and they certainly don’t reach the pinnacle of success in writing the great American novel. Becoming a craftsman entails making a choice, one you can’t entirely walk back.
Satisfaction is putting aside a lesser purpose in exchange for a greater purpose. That greater purpose may not always be work. Purpose can come in many forms, whether it’s raising children, advocating for change, or saving lives. 40 hours in exchange for space and stability to fulfill loftier goals is a bargain many are willing to make. After all, it’s better to be self-reliant, than not.
Does destiny await those who become craftsman, or is the price paid not worth it?
Isadore Johnson's Website 