Embracing the Essence of Handcrafting in a Commoditized World

Title: Embracing the Essence of Handcrafting in a Commoditized World

In contemporary society, the intrinsic value of human life has been overshadowed by the commodification of labor. The relentless pursuit of a "freer way to work" has fueled structural reforms from government to individuals in Japan since the Heisei era. In the process, society has come to gauge the worth of individuals primarily through the lens of their "commodity value as labor."

This overemphasis on the market value of labor has resulted in a profound issue: the assessment of a person's life solely based on their employability. However, humans, like other living beings, possess a value that extends beyond being mere commodities. The conventional notion of value, rooted in others' needs and societal utility, is irrelevant when considering living entities.

These beings, be they humans or crops, are not commodities. They possess an intrinsic value that transcends quantifiable metrics. This unique value defies easy categorization, often resisting articulation through conventional terms. Philosopher Ivan Illich introduces the concept of "vernacular" to capture this essence — a term derived from the Indo-Germanic languages, signifying "rootedness" and "dwelling."

Vernacular refers to items produced within the community for personal use, contrasting with those obtained through exchange. It encompasses everything nurtured, spun, or grown within the household — essential elements derived from personal cultivation, such as vegetables from a backyard garden or items crafted within a shared space. Illich's concept highlights the dichotomy between goods derived from communal efforts and those acquired through market exchange.

However, the act of crafting by hand, or what I refer to as "handcrafting," transcends the debate about whether the outcome is or isn't a commodity. It represents a stage prior to discussions about whether the creation becomes a marketable product. Handcrafting reflects Illich's vernacular state, akin to producing essential life materials from a home garden or communal land.

Yet, handcrafting demands various skills — manual dexterity, rational thinking about resource utilization, and the ability to collaborate with family and friends. Imperfection is inherent in the craft, and time is a prerequisite for mastery. In the fast-paced environment of modern society, the reluctance towards handcrafting can be attributed to the demand for immediate results.

It is essential to clarify that I am not advocating for the outright rejection of commodities. Markets, where goods circulate, open the possibility for a wide array of products to reach diverse individuals. The ability to consider changing jobs, for instance, stems from the existence of a labor market.

However, the problem lies in succumbing entirely to the waves of commodification, constructing a society where individuals are solely acknowledged for their exchange value. To foster a society where commodities and handcrafted items coexist, intentional allocation of time for non-commercial, handcrafted pursuits is crucial. Supporting others' handcrafting endeavors is equally important, as it ensures that such meaningful experiences are accessible to as many individuals as possible.

The beauty of handcrafting lies in creating something not necessarily demanded by others, something others may not even be interested in. Yet, for the individual, it is indispensable and profoundly meaningful. These unique experiences contribute to stepping outside the bounds of contemporary society, into what can be considered its "external" realm.