AndySimpson comments on Link: The Case for Working With Your Hands - Less Wrong

20 Post author: Daniel_Burfoot 28 May 2009 02:16PM

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Comment author: AndySimpson 28 May 2009 10:17:02PM 0 points [-]

Understood. I should've made it clear I was responding specifically to

A large part of the satisfaction of motorcycle work that Crawford describes comes from the fact that such work requires one to confront reality, however harsh it may be. Reality cannot be placated by hand-waving, Powerpoint slides, excuses, or sweet talk. But the very harshness of the challenge means that when reality yields to the finesse of a craftsman, the reward is much greater.

Comment author: RobinZ 25 May 2010 09:40:15PM 2 points [-]

Nearly a year late, but the reality that motorcycle mechanics must adhere to is the selfsame reality which justifies their job: the continued operation of the motorcycle. In contrast, the politician must adhere to many factors - public opinion, party loyalty, fundraising, etc. - which are only weakly related to the reality which justifies their job: public well-being.