This is a really awesome little read. As always, Chris Schwartz finds the great stuff. Without this sort of literature we would not be able to connect with our ancestors of two centuries ago.
Hardship and Destiny
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.”
— C.S. Lewis
Emerson says:
Seek Solutide
“Nourish yourself with grand and austere ideas of beauty that feed the soul… Seek solitude.”
“I must work alone. I think that going into society from time to time, or just going out and seeing people, does not do much harm to one’s work and spiritual progress, in spite of what many so-called artists say to the contrary. Associating with people of that kind is far more dangerous; their conversation is always commonplace. I must go back to being alone. Moreover, I must try to live austerely, as Plato did. How can one keep one’s enthusiasm concentrated on a subject when one is always at the mercy of other people and in constant need of their society? … The things we experience for ourselves when we are alone are much stronger and much fresher. However pleasant it may be to communicate one’s emotions to a friend there are too many fine shades of feeling to be explained, and although each probably perceives them, he does so in his own way and thus the impression is weakened for both.”
Eugène Delacroix – 1798–1863.
Pop over to Maria Popova‘s blog “Brain Pickings” and read more about Delacroix and his thoughts on solitude. While you are there, check out the many other fine and philosophical musings of her’s.
A Spot of Art
I like everything about this painting. Eduard Charlemont is an easy one to spot. Generally, his subjects are flamboyantly dressed, generally holding a drink, and often have a musical instrument; even if it’s just a drum. I think I’m ready to be this guy. And note the excellent little tusk-tenon bench.
Another Funky House Truck
This seemed too good to pass up. 
The Dream of an Eight Hour Work Day
From Work, No. 161, 1892.
Find more reprints of Work at Tools for Working Wood.
Choosing Our Stuff
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris
I have come across these words many times in my long quest for a decent life. Sometimes when you read something it just rings true. William Morris really strikes a chord deep down in my heart. He was a true genius and polymath and his contributions are often forgotten in our modern world. I think this will be my mantra, and painted over my door.
Peugot
As found on Tumblr, seemingly the ultimate source for all images these days. This vehicle is probably not practical as either boat or car but would sure be a lot of fun to have. I can imagine this pulling an amphibious caravan; the ultimate traveler.
How do we get some crowd-funding for this insanity?
A Chairmaker’s Work bench
I saw this beautiful and sturdy chairmaker’s work bench on AMBROSE VEVERS’ Tumblr blog early this morning and wanted to share it. It is a great example of a purpose-built and appropriate sized benched for a craftsman. Not every bench needs to look like an 18th Century Diderot drawing or Roubo bench. That sets the bar prohibitively high for so many woodworkers, especially those with limited space.
When I first left graduate school, I went back to work as a woodworker-carpenter and I was living in a small apartment. Needless to say, my work space was extremely limited and most of the sawing was actually done on a small balcony to keep the dust outdoors. Prior to this, I shared an 1,800 square foot work shop, and though it was not perfect it was extremely spacious. Moving to the apartment really began my thinking about spaces and portability which has influenced me ever since. I am always on the lookout for workshop solutions and I am a huge fan of recycled lumber.
To see more of Ambrose’s work, head over to his Tumblr page. Here’s his description from the website:
“Ambrose’s workshop is nestled in the Ancient Stannary town of Ashburton, within Dartmoor National Park. Each piece of furniture is skilfully crafted by hand from locally sourced materials.”
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 